By Meghan Frank, Jamie Farnsworth, Sabrina Esposito and Jessica Hopper
Rock Center
From the time she was a little girl, Claire Russo knew she wanted to be a Marine.
“When I was 10 and when I was 18 and when I was 23, the reason never changed. They were the toughest,” said Russo in an interview with Natalie Morales broadcast Thursday on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams.
The native of Washington, D.C., stuck to her dream, graduating No. 4 in her class from officer candidate school in 2003. Her father, Ken Wilkinsen, watched her commissioning with pride.
“This colonel came up,” Wilkinsen recalled. “He said, ‘If we had more of her type here... my job would be a lot easier.’”
Russo began what she thought would be a long career in the military, but her work as an intelligence officer was upended when she was sexually assaulted by a fellow Marine in November 2004.
“I love this country,” said the 32-year-old Russo. “But, you know, there’s a wound that will never heal. I gave the Marine Corps everything and it took from me something that I’m never going to get back.”
Russo is one of the thousands of members of the Armed Forces who have been sexually assaulted while serving their country. Last year, 3,192 service members across all branches of the military reported sexual assaults. Based on anonymous surveys of active-duty service members conducted in 2010, the Department of Defense says the number of incidents was closer to 19,000. Of the cases that are reported, only a fraction are prosecuted in the military justice system.
Attorney Susan Burke has filed several lawsuits against the top brass at the Department of Defense on behalf of sexual assault victims, charging they’ve been deprived of their due process.
“What all of us expect as Americans is an impartial system of justice. We don’t know the judge. We don’t know the jurors,” Burke said. “That’s not what is happening in the military. In the military, the commanders get to decide based on their own impressions of the two people coming forward who to believe. ”
Courtesy of Claire Russo
Claire Russo
Russo’s case was shut down by the Marine Corps, but since her assault happened off base, she was able to seek justice in the civilian court system. Recalling the November 2004 night she was assaulted is still upsetting to Russo. She attended the Marine Corps Ball at a San Diego, Calif., hotel with her cousin, Tom, a Navy F-18 aviator. Tom introduced her to a fellow marine, Doug Dowson. Dowson bought her a drink and said he’d take her to a room party.
Russo said that after accepting the drink from Dowson, things started “to get a little hazy.” Russo said that she felt like she’d been drugged. A drug test taken over 24 hours after the assault was inconclusive.
“The next thing I remember is being on the ground in the bathroom. He was holding me down and sodomizing me and at that point, I was just crying and begging him to stop,” said Russo through tears.
The day after the assault, she told her cousin. He reported it to his command and was ordered to take Russo to the naval hospital for a rape exam. As Russo was about to undergo the exam, her cousin received a phone call from the military criminal investigator assigned to the case, NCIS Special Agent Zach Paton.
“I told him to leave and come to me,” Paton said. Though Paton was the naval criminal investigator assigned to Russo’s case, he didn’t trust the military to handle it well. “The Naval Medical Center, they didn’t have appropriate personnel, training and material for doing rape kits," he said.
Paton took Russo to a civilian hospital for a sexual assault exam, waiting outside the hospital room as Russo was examined.
“You could hear her crying out in pain,” Paton recalled.
Since the assault had taken place off base, Paton could run a joint investigation with the local police. This proved pivotal in Russo’s pursuit of justice because although Paton would present the military with forensic evidence, testimony and photos, the Marine Corps ultimately decided not to charge Russo’s accused rapist.
“As the investigation progressed, as the command briefings and evidence and investigative reports were presented to the command of the accused, it was very apparent that they were going to take no action,” Paton said.
Paton broke the news to Russo, but neither of them was prepared to give up.
“Fortunately it was a joint investigation with the police department. So we explored that avenue of letting the D.A.’s office take a look at it,” Paton said.
The San Diego district attorney’s office wanted to prosecute, but Russo said she felt pressure from her command not to work with civilian authorities.
“They did say, you know, ‘This is a bad idea,’” Russo said. “Once this case goes to the district attorney’s office, Claire, we can’t help you. You know, we can’t protect you.”
“It felt as though there was a desire to sort of intimidate both me and the district attorney out of actually prosecuting this case,” Russo said.
Russo said the Marines also ignored her pleas for a transfer which meant that she had to endure an on base encounter with the man she knew had raped her.
“I broke down physically, emotionally and I actually like, I urinated on myself,” said Russo of one encounter with Dowson. “I was terrified.”
The district attorney obtained a search warrant for Dowson’s house. There, Paton said he and the police found hidden cameras and hundreds of hours of video of Dowson having sex with seemingly incapacitated women. Paton also discovered that just seven months prior to Russo’s assault, a female aviator had a similar incident with Dowson. She told her command but said she felt pressure not to file a formal report.
Prosecutors charged Dowson with raping Russo. He pleaded guilty to sodomy before his civilian trial began and was sentenced to three years in prison. He was released after serving 18 months.
Courtesy of Darchelle Mitchell
Darchelle Mitchell
When asked if her case is an exception within the military, Russo said, “The only thing that makes my story extraordinary is that I got justice.”
Rock Center interviewed several women who claim they were raped by fellow military members. Unlike Russo, many of them never received justice. Some didn’t report their assaults because they feared it would destroy their careers.
In Darchelle Mitchell’s case, the petty officer she says raped her was acquitted and her Navy career suffered. When Mitchell tried to re-enlist as active duty in the Navy her request was denied. She has since joined the Navy reserves.
“I knew joining the military was going to be a sacrifice. This wasn’t the intended sacrifice that I was willing to make,” she said.
Former Air Force Sgt. Laura Sellinger said that she attempted suicide after her command announced to her squadron that she had been raped while at a training exercise in South Korea.
“Everybody knew at work,” Sellinger said. “And they’re calling me all kinds of things and I’m sitting here and I just went to Iraq and through hell and now I’m dealing with this, ‘I’m a slut, I’m a whore. I deserved it,’ and all this kind of stuff. I give up. I absolutely give up. I’ve never been so hollow.”
Courtesy of Laura Sellinger
Laura Sellinger
Another veteran told Rock Center she was threatened with adultery charges from her commander after she pushed for her rapists to be prosecuted. Victims say this culture of blaming them and not punishing their rapists leads to more assaults.
Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said the military is trying to do a better job of prosecuting these crimes.
“I think we owe all of those who’ve been impacted not just an apology, but we owe them the effort to make sure that this doesn’t happen again,” Panetta said.
Since taking over as secretary of defense in 2011, Panetta said that tackling the issue has been a top priority.
“It’s an outrage that we aren’t prosecuting the people involved here,” Panetta said.
Panetta pointed to a number of changes including moving victims away from their assailants, new special victims units and pushing reporting higher up the chain of command. Still, he admitted that for decades this has been a problem the military has been sweeping under the rug.
“We need to improve the investigations. We need to make sure we have these special victims units that do the investigations and we need to ensure that we have prosecutors who are willing to bring these cases to court and make sure that these people don’t get away,” Panetta said.
Editor’s Note: Natalie Morales’ full report aired Thursday, Sept. 27 on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams.
Additional Resources:
Leave a Comment:
That's DEMOCRATIC Justice for you - that and also EQUA RIGHTS - RIGHTS to be abused without CONSEQUENCES. LOL! You should become MUSLIM and if the rape is PROVED - OFF with his head or otherwise OFF with YOUR head. JUSTICE done. LOL!
You're a Muslim because you're a moron. Rape is not the result of Democracy or equality, it's the result of no boundaries in military service. Men and women should simply not serve together. That is the solution - becoming a Muslim is NOT.
At least my faith prevents me from RAPING - AND it has been proved that the LEAST rape committed is in MUSLIM COUNTRIES.
It doesn't have to go as far as faith. It's just compassion, kindness, and decency.
In Muslim countries, it is okay for non-Muslims to be abused.
I'm not a Muslim or a Christian, I'm simply not a sociopath that does as he pleases. I don't need Muslim faith. Or Muslims for that matter.
As in fascist or communist states, if there is less crime in Muslim countries, it is because it is the peace of the gun.
The opposite of peace is not war, it is slavery.
Not "rape committed" but rape "reported." Its hard to report a rape when the victim is not believed. When she says she was raped and you require the word of a number of MEN who were eye witnesses to confirm it, that's a cover up. The reason so little rape is reported in muslim countries is because men rape women and nobody believes them - because the eye witnesses are not going to admit that they participated.
Tell us that muslim countries have the least amount of rape when women are equal to men, have the same rights and are treated as humans, not property. Then we might take notice, until then, you are full of it.
Appalling and disgusting. To the victims--- I hope this doesn't haunt you as you proceed with your lives. It is not a reflection on you. It is a reflection of the fact that this country has gone so far to the macho, crude, hard right, that our policies are somewhat insane. I respect you for fighting for our country anyway.
as both an AF Veteran and former AF Law Enforcement Officer I am disgusted by the military leaders and dept.of defense personnel who continue to allow this take place and go unpunished. Personally, during my career I never came across a case of rape or assault on a female. Good thing, because I'm sure if I had, I'd probably would have handled myself before any person accused reach a military jail. I had then, as I have now, NO TOLERANCE for any man committing rape and/or assault upon a women.
Congratulations UMC,you want them to do all your dirty work,then you kick these women to the curb,when these women get raped by one of your own.
SOMETHING TO BE REALLY PROUD OF!
YOU'RE A NATIONAL DISGRACE!
Such a shame to see my beloved Marine Corps be tarnished by this puke. Back in the day, if my squad found out that a fellow Marine was violated like this we took justice in our own hands. Nothing better than a little friendly fire to clear out the under brush so that the rest of the forest can flourish.
Semper Fi
As a former Marine, this kind of crap makes me sick. My apologies to Ms. Russo for the totally asinine handling of this by the Corp.
I am ashamed, as a former Marine, that this bubbish is going on. What the Hell is wrong with these new jarheads??? My sincereist apoloy to this woman.
This is another sad reason why women in the military is not a good idea.
Pathetic, inexcusable, reprehensible - a few words that spring to mind when the behavior of the top brass of the military is mentioned. At least Panetta has spoken out and now it's up to him to become the top enforcer. If women want to join the military that is their right and they should be able to expect and DEMAND personal safety, just as we do in civilian circles. This needs to be cleaned up and eliminated at once.
What a shame that the US Military instead of setting precedent and doing the right thing (that's what they like to say they stand for) just cover up these serial rapists. Everyday there's something else bringing the US military down. If at least one of their branches started seeking punishment, the others would probably follow. I'll enforce my kids not to serve, what for? getting raped or killed?
The military accepts thugs, rapists and deviates into service, and treats badly those who are not those things. Women in the military has been objected to by the men in command from the beginning with very few men supporting it. Rape is about control and obviously DOUG DOWSON should now be dishonerably discharged from the Marines. You know what he did in many women's minds in and out of the military? He made the Marines look like thugs, rapists and deviates. The rapes are a high number and they are not treated with a seriously. I'm wondering now if any branch of the military is worth a damn. Bad apples spoil the bunch. Do not be brainwashed by the "glory" of military service. It's changed. Now they don't care who they let in! Do they do background checks on all these military members? Doubtful. Thugs, nothing but creeps and thugs and the men who run the military KEEP on letting it happen and don't give this serious attention. 3 yrs is all Dowson got? And he did 18 mos? Baloney. I think all rapists should lose a body part, not just go to jail. They are being too easy on rapists, IN and OUT of the military.
Rape is a despicable crime..But this cannot be a legitimate story without also talking about all the false allegations made against men,by women in both military and civilian settings . The prisons are full of innocent men falsely being imprisoned for sex crimes they didn't commit,and this could number as high as 1/2 of all men convicted by some studies, False allegations is also a despicable crime and the people should be made aware that this crime happens all the time,but the media because of PC will black out these stories.
Over 90 percent of reported rapes aren't rapes..Theyre lies by whores... Sorry its a FACT
Everything depends on the Commander! Either he prevents it or promotes it! Some Commanders are too busy buirning the midnight oil and dipping their wick to care!
This is completely unacceptable. No person should ever assault another person, under any context. And a victim of such assault should not be further victimized for speaking up. And the women in the military should expect to be supported and protected by their fellow soldier, not betrayed like this.
It's really THAT simple.
During my full tour (4 years) in the military, I saw overwhelming indications and listened to first hand accounts of devastated young women. I actually testified during trial once (he received 9 years) and wasn't asked on the numerous other instances.
Bottom line: this is rampant and WILL NEVER stop unless all of America cries out in unison relentlessly - over and over and over again until the DoD "gets it" that profound measures need to take place.
If we quietly keep letting this happen, this country isn't worth saving - and we're not a country under God. We're a country under Satan.
this is worst than the Catholic church and the Penn State issue!
The whole problem here is: You teach people to fight and kill others and expect them to be a gentle men?
Women aren't being treated right in this World. Men rule, and its time WOmen get the respect and Honor they deserve! If they serve in the military, or not. Let's take a look at the abuse on women and children. MOST of it is done by MEN.
When I was in training one a Female e-7 came running out of the bathroom naked (Co Ed dorms). Said they were not allotted enough time.
While in combat woke up one night to find a single E-5 talking a married E-5 into a massage. As the lights were off I didn't see, but soon you could tell she was giving him a blow job.
While on guard duty (still in combat) the female E-4 left our post to go sleep with another married E-4. Leaving me alone to finish the rotation.
Still in Combat a 0-2 talked the 0-4 into taking me out to find her E-7 (and married) boyfriend (I was her driver). She spent the day getting us lost and if I'd not disobeyed her order (by the end of the day) we'd spent the night in Iraqi on our own, behind enemy lines.
These are some of the things I've seen in the military that while they might not scream sexual harassment they speak of how messed up men/women fighting beside each other can be.
Before it would end I did see males sexually harassed by females. Not only did the command not do anything about this, but the males would be looked down upon once they said anything.
If I saw this much female manipulation towards males others must have seen at least some. Truth is our society dismisses female in-appropriations faster than male's. Men probably do "rape" more often, but as far as being sexually in the wrong I doubt it..
Best solution is to stop thinking men and women should fight beside each other (where they will end up having sex) and give women there own units and let them have the same occupations as men (female infantry Units, ran by females).
Odd how the "politically incorrect" way to resolve this is actually the best answer. No military Officer would ever say it though. It would end their career.
remember these are the same little angles that you raised with a my babies do nothing wrong attitude. now they grow up and find themselves in a strange environment and use the same self control that you put into them as parents. try being in command of some of these kids even after basic training they do not hesitate to tell you go to hell or do it yourself, I have had to write a lot of them up for this and the only ones it truly goes back to is the parents lack of discipline
I think that the person that committed the attack should have his name, and rank put out in the open. Such as in Facebook or a media such as this. And if a picture can go with it, do so. The victims have hidden themselves from society, or have even commited suicide because nothing was done to the person that hurt them so badly. Why? It is time for the attacker to be the one in hiding, or commiting suicide because he never wants family, friends, the wife, or whoever is important to him, to know what kind of person he truly is. The worst venomous person alive. Anyone that can hurt a person just for the "fun" of it deserves to be shown to the public. Just so that another person will not get hurt. If he does not go to jail, make his living areas his jail. The word rape was never spoken of or even used in our lanuage in the open for everyone to see. We now have that changed. It has come out in the open, but it still is putting a hardship on those that have been attacked because of either not reporting out of fear, or going to court and getting off and rapeing the person all over again. It is time for the saying of the attackers name in whatever forum is now available. Make the attacker hide for once.
one blogger was raped 28 years ago and is still traumatized; so, you tell me if rape is not a major problem.
liberalequalscretin
You just labled yourself a stupid, obtuse, or mentally defective person by adding cretin into your name. Does not say much for your opinion does it. Maybe you are a fellow attacker yourself?
When I entered the army in 1970 there was no sexual discrimination or assault because female's were not in the army, they had a "Women's Army Corps."
Show me a unit where they have not destroyed unit moral, where they had not kept shiesse stirred up, where they have not been shown favoritism despite repeated "Equal Opportunity Classes yearly."
Oh, I know there many folk's who will disagree but I have been there for 40 years, I know what we had and I know what we have now.
Equality may have been legislated but it is only a dream. Put up or hush up, there has to be a victor, someone naturally wins.
19kilo-2506621
So what you are saying is that just because women want to beable to use guns and do more in protecting our country as men do, instead of being behind a desk or with a nurses hat, they should automatically "put up" their bodies to anyone that wishes to take and do whatever to it, or shut up and be that nurse or desk jockey if they can not handle the heat in the "mens military" house. You are doing what they are doing. Putting the blame on the women, no matter what. You would be one that would not listen or protect your fellow female soldier beside you then?
40 years ago there were more "MEN", respectable men. Yes, back then there were still those that were criminal. But also back then a persons beliefs and lifestyle was a show of how a person was. And it meant that they may not get into the military. It wasn't until in the late 60's that the courts started using the military as a way for a criminal could get out of going to jail for such crimes as rape, theft, and other lesser items thought of in the courts. I think that is probably when alot of bad influances got into the military and changed alot of young mens ways. You know the bad leading the lamb into their ways. Women have been protecting the homesites for many a years. But as times changed they wanted to be involved more. Why shouldn't they?
What about justice for men who are falsely accused of rape. The women are NEVER prosecuted, never brought before the criminal justice system. The DA's are afraid to punish women, after men are kept in prison for years before being released after proven innocent.
Sometimes they are not, but it is far harder to prove a non-action than an action. There are false claims of criminal action prosecuted all the time, sorry. Your claim is not so pervasively true as actual rapes are.