By Diana Novak Jones
A group of former U.S. Coast Guard Academy students has filed complaints seeking $130 million in damages, alleging that the school allowed sexual violence to go unchecked for nearly four decades. The group, which includes 12 women and one man, has accused the academy in New London, Connecticut, of enabling sexual abusers and failing to protect victims or provide them with recourse.
The Coast Guard has come under scrutiny for its handling of the issue following a media report alleging a cover-up of decades of abuse. A Senate subcommittee also found that the Coast Guard shamed victims and failed to address perpetrators. The complaints were filed administratively as required by federal law before they can be alleged in a lawsuit.
The Coast Guard spokesperson stated that the service is committed to protecting its workforce and is dedicating significant resources to improving prevention, victim support, and accountability. The complaints allege assaults dating back to the mid-1980s.
Last month, a Senate subcommittee released a report detailing the Coast Guard's culture of shaming victims and failing to provide necessary medical care. U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Linda Fagan acknowledged that the agency had at times "failed to ensure a culture that is safe for all."
Analysis: The allegations of sexual assault at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy highlight the importance of addressing systemic issues within institutions. Victims of abuse must be supported and perpetrators held accountable to create a safe environment for all. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for prevention, victim support, and accountability measures to protect individuals from harm.