If you ask my girlfriends in the Coast Guard if they endured some kind of sexual assault, 3/4 will tell you “Yes.” I hate that so many women have gone through this.

** This anonymous U.S. Coast Guard Survivor Testimonial was originally submitted to “The Pettiest Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard” on Facebook in May of 2024 and re-published by MLAA. MLAA does not know the identity of the author and has not verified any of the claims or allegations made in this testimonial. Light formatting changes for readability, or redactions for PII may have been applied before publishing. **

As an Officer of the Coast Guard - figured I'd send you one since you called the Os out lol - I am a survivor of sexual assault. As someone mentioned earlier, I feel like mine is little and I don't share it much.

I was a non-rate female in a third world country, we were drinking all day as we did, the group I was with decided not to go back to the boat overnight and pay for a place to sleep. My mistake was sleeping next to the open window.

As soon as I realized what was going on... we got back to the boat and things were handled as they were supposed to be. I received a victim's advocate, had the option to stay on the boat or get shipped back home. My command at the time worked with the embassy to small boat me, a shipmate, and my VA back home. We flew back to the states the following day. I worked with the SARC and requested resources, I sought treatment, and tried to see a therapist as often as I could.

My command supported me, helped me, and allowed me to get the treatment I needed. But, I never felt welcome again on the boat. It triggered an investigation and people on the boat got questioned, it made me paranoid. I worked my butt off on that boat and still mad to this day I only got a page 7 as a departure gift. Soon later I left anyway to begin my O career and I think that's what saved me. That was about eleven years ago.

Not all situations and commands are bad and I want everyone to remember that. There are people who want to help you. I was lucky enough to have a decent experience.

When I was an Ensign, I had a really close friend who was in the Coast Guard go through the toughest time of her life. My command at the time was very supportive when I requested off to ensure this member had everything she needed. Her command wasn't there for her but "we" were. She called me a couple of days ago and thanked me after this page went live. Still love her like crazy to this day.

If you ask most of my girlfriends, if they suffered from some kind of sexual assault, 3/4 will tell you yes. I strive to be the best leader that I can each and every day and to always be there for my members - no matter the situation. I'm a mom of three so sometimes you have to treat them as they're your "babies" too and protect them just like your own.

I hate that so many women have gone through this. I hate the anxiety and memories that I bury deep down. I hate that I am a victim too... but I know I am not alone and neither are you.