OPINION:
I read recently that the Department of Defense will stop offering rape kits to overseas DOD workers who are ineligible for care in the Military Health System. This new policy is just plain crazy. I would like to know whose idea it was and what the rationale is behind it.
All overseas DOD civilian employees, including contractors of DOD, should be covered by the DOD Health Agency, and that should include being given rape kits. These individuals should not have to rely on the local foreign government or pay for such rape kits themselves. The latter is akin to paying for one’s rape.
In some cases, the assailants will be members of the military. The DNA evidence from a rape kit is often crucial evidence, particularly if the assailant is masked or otherwise unknown to the victim. I cannot imagine that covering the cost of civilian DOD workers’ rape kits is overwhelming our health system. DOD should be asked how much such rape kits have cost it over the past five years. It probably has no hard data.
Currently, civilian employees assigned overseas can receive medical care at military hospitals — but it is on a space-available basis and after the needs of active duty military personnel and their families are met. This means that while military facilities are an option, there’s no guarantee of access. That should be changed but if it cannot be, there should at least be an exception made for rape kits once again.
I predict this new policy will not last long, as I imagine someone at the Pentagon or in Congress will force a change if the matter gets sufficient press coverage. If it is not changed, there will be bad press the next time one of our overseas civilian workers gets raped and the case is thrown out at a court-martial due to lack of evidence.
Lastly, Congress should have those who were involved in this recent policy change testify as to their motivations and thoughts. They will come across as very dim-witted or worse.
Cmdr. WAYNE L. JOHNSON
Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy (retired)
Alexandria, Virginia
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