I've never come forward for obvious reasons: 1) being scared no one would believe me, 2) being told I was asking for it, or 3) being told I'm probably just a whore.
** 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. **
Thank you for being a voice. I've never come forward for obvious reasons... being scared no one would believe me, being told I was asking for it or that I'm probably just a whore.
When I was on a ship as a non-rate, one of the ensigns kept grabbing me and pulling me in to try to get me to kiss him. I said no but he persisted and thankfully I ended up raising my voice and telling him to stop, he did.
Fast forward to my next duty station, I hung out with a Marine and he tells me to come to his place. He seemed nice enough and I had hung out with him before, so I did. He keeps filling my glass with wine so I'm a few glasses in and he tells me I shouldn't drive, which I agree to. We go to bed and I tell him I don't want to do anything and I'm tired and need some rest. Well, he doesn't respond well to that. He goes to the bottom of his bed and brings out a long rope. I was absolutely terrified when I saw it, so when he bound my wrists together as tight as possible, I didn't say a word. He flips me on my stomach and shoves himself inside of me. You would think he would know he should stop when I'm trembling and tears are running down my face... he doesn't. He ties my wrists even tighter. He finishes and lays on his back smiling. He finally unties me and I don't say a word. I fell asleep and left as soon as I woke up and was able to drive. When I got into my car, I looked down at my wrists and they were already bruised. It hurt to move them and they were painful for a couple weeks after. I was terrified to say anything and I didn't. I was telling myself "I put myself in that position so I probably deserved it" and "no one would ever believe me."
When I was at this same duty station, there was an O-6 that used to be stationed there that would always message me telling me I needed to come down to his duty station one weekend so he could "show me a good time." He was very persistent but I kept telling him "no thank you, sir." Fast forward to about a year ago and I found out he was forced to retire. He never did anything to me but I know he would have.
It's absolutely sick how many rapists and harassers are out there walking around. I really hope the Coast Guard gets their shit together and starts taking us seriously. I have started healing and I've gone through a lot of therapy and I'm doing better than I was, but I still struggle. I'm married now and these issues have crept into my marriage. I have zero libido, I never want to have sex with my husband and I'm certain the trauma I experienced is the reason why. I'm still healing every day.
I am totally good with you posting this so others are aware. I don't want to name drop or anything but I think it's important for others to know that this happens constantly.
Thank you again for being a voice.
I love you and I'm here for you, sister.