---
title: "Military Sexual Assault Victims: Know Your Rights"
date: 2022-07-27T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/military-sexual-assault-victims-know-your-rights"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Military Sexual Assault Victims: Know Your Rights

Know Your Rights is a comprehensive resource for both civilian and active-duty victims of military sexual violence, sexual harassment, and retaliation. It provides a clear overview of the guaranteed rights during the reporting process, investigation, court-martial and sentencing, and after the sentencing.

> Every year, tens of thousands of men and women are raped, sexually assaulted, and sexually harassed by active duty servicemembers. Since 2011, Protect Our Defenders has been working hard to reform the military justice system to ensure that victims are protected from their assailants and from retaliation by their chain of command and fellow servicemembers.

[View the site ](https://www.protectourdefenders.com/rights/)

SOURCE: Protect Our Defenders

![Miltary VAW](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFEklEQVRIiXVW267kxg2sojRz1nEAI37w//9PPiAveQwM2+tgd312RuomWZUHaeb4LJwGQTWk7iqy2BfxX//+JwC1u12pnMqhnJ7pSndToBmIiHVZLstyieUSy4JYEBTd7nQNjVH7Vtu9bre63+t+721TZoDEN41P9/8bvxnAt8fzAwkg+G7AsxkwANB/MfMbLj4o+aAmSBAgGY/p74n4p5kH2REyz84D5UAlyZOBBHm+D4KMg4tPkne5m/CD3Hj23x4n/gH6vgUZDK4Hps9xT0XNp0ontL9R6IT2GS9JMBjB4MOTEfEX4vJU/0GjB5kBk8+cnsinIH+K/eCICH67it5it5+xPzn4rPxZ0reCnLh8BB6MICPWv1oXJkQI9glLAAEIiIdup0pnPm/Rx1N/LqT4Z4KHDrZhQw+sI3rBPDPzI5Vnwd8kw0P9M4/1RHtCW7Zw2vGGAOymCQsQQJ+FeNslfJ8JySAUXOGj6fAHtNVWW7YM0wQJO+y2Ag7AsGC8U+zBdFqAxGrJOOI+oJ/WlizYNA0CokU4bFpwxJtoeGeEHzv5jUBWq1tqqayyWmo1ZDgWEiFaIUWIMCGYJ+2p59vuMeFjoa9Sw3bL3Va7S08rqS3TEmEE2IymGwoEl2N92Q013JDgI00BImRoVRVwhNtd1V2qUmVXqdRtGeByHkdBLVAjAqIJmqaPgjXcdsMN6/BEr6q0LamrVaXMruzKzuxSl0+JLNAIcAEDESbF45Sx0IUuH15tFdRQWb12JWy1uqqzOrMza87Oqtl1SMSItY9SMxx0U8RCkwQsqNDpTivdiaOjgnLtOWyou6tr5sNmjsrsLrWJWKheDmVDQZMdWKggTYgqV7qna6LnwYGeTwKrVdV9oI9ZY9aoyqpym4hgX+wGRIoQsYYXrAEiIKpQqRyuqRruh1WuNfYHQeWs2meOmSPnnjmr+qxBrCldjQaa7MAaXqnjxhLVqHQO5e6n1e7Ktfb7IVFV18zcM/c595l7znlkAMQSl3VVAUVUoMIrvbIDAVNx1CCHclduyk21KXf3PAjcrcrKWbnPw+aWc1aWZDpiuVyktJNIIgOX0MI1sACQ3ex0Ds/duTnvnptzc801t9spUVbOzH3Obc5tjm3OUXkUeYnleum+Qi+Ba/i6eA2t7GAAVLjRiRqeu+ameVfeNDf3XGt7tdHdlZ0j5z7zPsY2xn2OvTJbBtZluV5UL/QLcQ1fw5fQGiu5EDwzQA3npnHXvGnclDfXttb99ZAo89Rn3se8jXkbY5uZ3QfBh6v6hf4QeFlwXXxZtC6X4AKGcBLszk3zpvGq+cX5u+vzWvcvtru7ZtXIvI952+bXbXzdxm2be7aA62X9/oP7b4HvFn5Y8VK4rF6rI1Y2BRR7onfPu+YXz4+ev2vCjbW2T7a7VDNzH3nf8vU2//g8Pv8+PmF8QjfwAy4/AvphwT9W/n3ldxe+tFdp6QYpoqgddXd+8vxZExpwwoW1tv/a7uqao7atvn7K1y/5CfNnjI8YQAG8Qa8gvqzLl1xxXX6q+L750l6WpqKJQX1F/YaEJjzhCR0E2n+x1TV7fO571Q31B/JX5EdMPAgAv2L5FfmCvqIvv2mFAgIkKEAiBBSQcEIJ5yMDzf9IUEED2qEN/Qf6F9Q5/iQgcPmI/hH9PfoDdMXBYcCHN445fvjDVhUsuKCEEhrQVxxXez+Mj47u0ITrvGDccMDG8TtAnT8Fx41wzPkfYAqiGAu44lgAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) 

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ gender-based violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/gender-based-violence)
- [ sexual violence & trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/sexual-violence-trauma)
- [criminal legal system](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/criminal-legal-system)
- [recognizing abuse](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/recognizing-abuse)
- [sexual assault](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-assault)
- [sexual violence](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/sexual-violence)
- [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support)
- [trauma](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/trauma)
- [violence against women](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/violence-against-women)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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How can adults help young people discuss injustice safely and meaningfully? This resource explores trauma-informed responses to racial injustice.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-trauma-informed-response-to-racial-injustice)

[ResourcesRead

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This policy brief examines the state surveillance of abortion access and the growing criminalization of pregnant people, parents, and providers.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-decriminalization-and-the-struggle-against-policing-and-criminalization)

[ResourcesRead

## Abortion Rights for Immigrant Survivors

This document outlines what attorneys and advocates need to know as they counsel people who are maneuvering the complex intersection of abortion access, the immigration system, and the criminal legal system.

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This document outlines what attorneys and advocates need to know as they counsel people who are maneuvering the complex intersection of abortion access, the immigration system, and the criminal legal system.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/abortion-rights-for-immigrant-survivors)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.

![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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)

A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters-things-would-be-different)

[ResourcesRead

## Dear Black Women: An Affirmation Movement for Black Women by Black Women

A collection of positive affirmations and pep talks for Black women, by Black women.

![Pexels rodnae productions black women family scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEL0lEQVRIiV2WwXYryQ1DAVbJ7/93s88+n5fMkZu4WbBKdkanLUtqCSRBAiz/+19/AUm6+3me7/f39/v9/X6/3+/n/e7v7zxNp6SSV9Vea6+1q9ZylS2sQCff3e/n+ft5/u7nv8/zn37+Tt4l9PPg/Emyfv771xvrH9//53v//40NAQnuNbeRGDj7PFm2LcnCQrLOi5/f+gPCyWaTIJGQQEQEnttWzbfKhrqfTBGGmyw6P8xEMvi+2EkEmQA535j0a9ixZSwve9DrFDGsXOjgRMSToigRaed5JJF8YphYlIStkrFUhpKXvSybuhWYoCgRLeLEg5BTx04/QgBpOkqfGkVZtimfZqBl1aeCYVwxrbS73T3oddhGsPOcAOGylFx0MU2wjAtKLqtO/4foFk3aaaU9F6nb7Z3vbyQxj2gKhBLDjWSjaXuh3+SIKBl0PuhJJSQVDLufRxPgZ9pi4UEPLhtfTn7QDSLQym+KnkqTLgKB7Dzfv4Qy83MmZGJYNr/QI08qmgpatPL4XO100aZDgM1U4I9q77OPygz2ZSmyrxiJJs100pVTitJKIBYom/RJ97bzQsty6UYa9GIkdqR/RVAktOmagtTDj2ArkSzz23ksz8CMEg7vJUV3Zm/HCCSkiEiUUkyiSEHZU+9kb49EXWMJVll1iJLDB13Hhu4wAtM/EoJiBbXc+/jXOJlVdtn+oNuj6iFN14jwtTrrsGakM2EACo7IrqrfAVyyfaAPRfp436cCH6V5Lp1nMfL0Zc+919r6ZHcTv7/SdWyODvQLveyYMmVTwaYiH68f2dJ7vV7TA00G/pXZh+dLhj8DdwgtKNaCNisqyydGQJF779frbiukSEiZRWjuYroe/tlCsl0lgCWStdCyVrSsqWMqePbr688o+Ni6whjvoPNT8fnkZF/jTdaSsMEdL/eKlu1YJPDs/fVndh4KaWgyLpBp1mdPMZNy0pdVEwxLTdRWR0sqPJMReO/Xny8hNF79JE5PQI+aBErE2OE1kYmBr3awE7e97ZWnJN0AX3+QjqV0qS0R2nGOzQZSJ8D1E5WtUpmoTMCxd7ykNcqJUPpQRJI8bUuIJjVnlZzdnQSPHk6LRy2akR6bjbe0xeKsq0jar68vBOnu4SThcZc80kSEpCB3/ctWlV012qdV0JGWWLCKEhZE2vv1QiRLtgTp9Oq6ASSCwrjAZ5LsGvyyjAF7fdIn5ToWudfrBTg9dHs9Xss+FE0HTAJW1VkGM6oTY1gKWl7LLGd5lXPW1F57A44lkp4jp+qHotPkGVqu2GT9BJBY1hJFlatcdlmRS7vWEsgiuQfaOtvnauwcCWRx18axRnsONRQa6HIdmQxHu6qAEpnbgz7TPRV8zhxX1r9iTAVz9D5G/3nMxO2xFJPP7Z/D9DWicyYWP/B3qcr21d914I8JS9b/ADX2YvOdyOaJAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

A collection of positive affirmations and pep talks for Black women, by Black women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/affirmations-an-affirmation-movement-for-black-women-by-black-women)

[ResourcesRead

## An Analysis: Manifestations and Perpetuation of Gender-Based Violence

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation analyzes some of the reasons gender-based violence continues.

![Pexels rodnae productions silence is violence scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Human Rights Advocacy and Research Foundation analyzes some of the reasons gender-based violence continues.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/an-analysis-manifestations-and-perpetuation-of-gender-based-violence)

[ResourcesRead

## Letting Go of Survival Mode

Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.

![Mature woman meditating with her eyes closed and her hands in prayer position. Black woman with dreadlocks practicing yoga in a studio. Happy middle-aged woman maintaining a healthy lifestyle.](data:image/png;base64,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)

Survival mode is a natural response to chronic stress. But it does not allow us to think, grow, or flourish.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/letting-go-of-survival-mode)