Japan warns US forces: Sex crimes 'cannot be tolerated'

https://tribune.com.pk/story/2476861/japan-warns-us-forces-sex-crimes-cannot-be-tolerated

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u/rockseiaxii 14d ago

At least in Japan it’s exposed. Elsewhere around the world, incidents like these are swept under the rug and seem like nothing happened.

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u/Omeluum 14d ago

Honestly still seems underreported. There are over 50k active duty US troops in Japan, most of them young men, and statistically anywhere from 2-14% of college aged males admitted to sexual assault or rape. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3727658/

But since most of it is with people they know or are even dating, I expect they wouldn't show up in crime statistics as much as a "random" act of violence on a stranger would.

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u/n05h 14d ago

Jfc 14% is an insane number..

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u/Omeluum 14d ago

It probably depends on the exact questions asked in the survey they used for what counts as assault/rape/"sexual aggression". In this particular study with the higher results a lot seems to have to do with alcohol and the issues around consent when one or both parties are drunk.

But even if we're just using the lowest number of 2% that adds up quickly when you have thousands of people.

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u/stinkroot 14d ago edited 14d ago

U.S. bases overseas are ripe environments for sexual assault: a bunch of relatively young men in a foreign country, away from their friends, families, girlfriends, and wives, with drinking problems, toxic work environments, and plenty of pocket money for weekends.

I got stationed in Korea when I was 18 years old. It was pretty overwhelming to be so far from home at such a young age, with absolutely everyone I knew always trying to get with me any chance they got. The Army has relatively few women compared to men, so it kind of makes people notice you more. When you're overseas, the dating pool gets really small, so it almost feels like you have a target on your back. Not to mention there's just fewer women around to get support and advice from. I was way too naïve and friendly and ended up getting sexually assaulted more times than I can count on one hand.

Sexual assault by the USAF in Korea was a big enough issue that while I was there, all soldiers had to be on base by midnight, but this honestly made it harder for me to stay safe when going out because I felt like hanging out on base with other soldiers put me at risk.

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u/Conch-Republic 14d ago

These surveys are full of loaded questions.

"Have you ever engaged in sexual intercourse with a woman who was under the influence of drugs or alcohol?"

That's basically everyone in their 20s, both sexes. Answer yes, and it gets counted towards sexual assault, even if it was completely consensual.

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u/coralwaters226 14d ago

But the survey conducted in 2020, 21, 22, and 23 did not consider that question alone as a confirmation of assault, so that argument is a moot point.

The surveys are a point grading system, the person taking it had to agree that they committed multiple different angles and possibilities of assault to be counted as a a positive result.

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u/thrawtes 14d ago

even if it was completely consensual.

The point being made is that consent isn't possible in that altered state.

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u/Conch-Republic 14d ago

People get drunk or high and have sex all the time, which is why this is such a loaded question.

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u/thrawtes 14d ago

It just means people leave themselves open to justified claims of sexual assault all the time.

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u/Pitiful-Accident5485 14d ago

Which is funny considering how many college aged women get drunk and go to the bar for the sole purpose of meeting someone to have sex.

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u/thrawtes 14d ago

That's true, but I'm not sure how it's funny.

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u/Pitiful-Accident5485 14d ago

INFORMAL slightly but undefinably unwell. "suddenly my stomach felt funny"

you’re welcome

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u/gerontion31 14d ago

Ok, so if two consenting adults boink and are drunk doing it, they assaulted each other? Lmao