False Allegations of Sexual Assault, the Myth Protecting Military Sexual Trauma Predators
Department of Defense data shows false allegations of sexual assault in the military are rare, while retaliation against survivors is widespread.Department of Defense data shows false allegations of sexual assault in the military are rare, while retaliation against survivors is widespread. A recent article from Military Trial Defenders claims that false allegations of sexual assault are a "huge problem" in the military, citing that over seventy percent of military academy attendees believe this to be true.
How the military protects its image by making serbvice members believe the biggest threat is being falsely accused. The actual data shows they should worry about survivors suffering in silence.
Department of Defense data shows false allegations of sexual assault in the military are rare, while retaliation against survivors is widespread.Department of Defense data shows false allegations of sexual assault in the military are rare, while retaliation against survivors is widespread. A recent article from Military Trial Defenders claims that false allegations of sexual assault are a "huge problem" in the military, citing that over seventy percent of military academy attendees believe this to be true.
But how common are false allegations of sexual assault? Sexual assault statistics show the actual rate is between two and ten percent.
This statistics problem is a deliberate piece of disinformation that creates a perception that protects predators while destroying survivors.
I know because I lived through both the assault and the system that followed.
False Allegations Military Sexual Assault: Who Benefits From This Lie
When people believe false allegations of sexual assault are rampant instead of rare, predators win.
The perception builds on existing misogyny that women exaggerate for attention. So few sexual assault cases make it to trial because of this notion.
Predators understand the possibility for consequences is low. They commit crimes repeatedly and escalate severity because the system protects them.
Meanwhile, DoD data shows false complaints haven't exceeded three percent since 2014. In 2024, just one percent of reports were false.
Department of Defense data shows false allegations of sexual assault in the military are rare, while retaliation against victims is widespread.
UCMJ False Allegations: The Real Fear Survivors Face
The fear of reporting a sexual assault has more to do with only the assault itself.
Victims know their careers will likely be ruined for coming forward. They know they'll be retaliated against and called liars. Worst of all, they'll be completely ostracized by peers for not staying silent.
Survivors on my The Silenced Voices of MST describe experiencing compound trauma worse than the original assault.
When someone reports, they're ostracized while perpetrators are believed and comforted. Investigations focus on poking holes in victim statements. Living quarters get trashed, cars vandalized, work tools disappear.
The data confirms this reality: military personnel are twelve times more likely to experience retaliation than see their attacker convicted.
Burden of Proof in Sexual Assault Cases: The Conditioning Machine
Military academy attendees have been conditioned to see themselves as potential victims of false accusations rather than part of a system destroying real survivors.
The military protects its image by making service members believe the biggest threat is being falsely accused. The actual data shows they should worry about survivors suffering in silence.
This narrative serves institutional interests. It's easier to fear false allegations of sexual assault than confront sexual predators operating freely while survivors get psychologically tortured for speaking up. The burden of proof in sexual assault cases becomes weaponized against survivors rather than seeking truth.
Research shows 31 percent of men and 28 percent of women experienced retaliation after assault, whether they reported or not.
Evolutionary Accountability
Accountability ends military sexual violence.
We need to create an environment completely inhospitable to sexual violence and harassment. That means removing bystanders who witnessed harassment but did nothing. Removing supervisors, leaders, and commanders who allowed for an environment conducive to sexual violence.
When careers are destroyed and people realize they can't support their families because they protected predators, they won't tolerate it.
Accountability is a form of enforced adaptation. In basic training, when one person made a mistake, the whole unit paid the price through extra runs or pushups. That collective consequence changed behavior quickly because nobody wanted to carry the burden for someone else’s actions.
The same principle applies here. When offices are emptied and careers end for protecting predators, the perception shifts. People adapt their behavior when silence and complicity carry real consequences.
Department of Defense data shows false allegations of sexual assault in the military are rare, while retaliation against victims is widespread.
Many people never personally witness sexual violence, which makes it easy for myths to spread. But consistent, visible consequences create a new reality where protecting predators is no longer tolerated.
The Path Forward
After nine years of struggling with treatment-resistant depression from MST, I experienced a miracle. A civilian provider fought for me to get new medication that reduced every symptom in three days.
Coming back to life after nearly a decade made me realize I had to help other survivors reach that same place.
I started The Silenced Voices of MST podcast to let survivors know they're not alone and they are believed. Our voices lead to public recognition of Military Sexual Trauma's pervasiveness. We'll be returning with firsthand accounts of Military Sexual Trauma in just a few short weeks.
Public demand for accountability creates environmental change. Changed environments mean service members take those values home and create outward change.
The U.S. military has led American social change before. It integrated early. It paid women equally before most organizations.
Sexual violence can be the next thing we conquer together.
But only if we stop protecting the myth and start protecting survivors.
What will it take for your military community to prioritize survivor safety over institutional reputation? Share this article if you believe accountability saves lives.
Military Sexual Trauma in Korea’s Drinking Culture and Trafficking: Lakeydra Houston (Part 2) | The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith
Lakeydra Houston shares her story of Military Sexual Trauma in the U.S. Air Force, exposing alcohol culture in Korea, systemic betrayal, and survivor advocacy.
Lakeydra Houston shares her story of Military Sexual Trauma in the U.S. Air Force, exposing alcohol culture in Korea, systemic betrayal, and survivor advocacy.
U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston discusses Military Sexual Trauma, alcohol culture in Korea, and her journey to advocacy on The Silenced Voices of MST .
Intro
U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston shares her experience of Military Sexual Trauma while stationed in Korea, where a culture of heavy drinking and peer pressure created unsafe conditions for service members. She describes how trafficking operated inside the ranks, how leadership failed to act, and how systemic betrayal deepened her trauma. Despite these challenges, Lakeydra has become an advocate for survivors, emphasizing the need for accountability, support, and reform.
This is Part 2 of Lakeydra’s story. Read Part 1 here: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/military-sexual-trauma-lakeydra-houston-part1
Episode Summary
In this continuation of her interview on The Silenced Voices of MST, Lakeydra Houston opens up about the ways Military Sexual Trauma shaped her service in the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in Korea, she encountered a drinking culture that normalized alcohol abuse and lowered safeguards for vulnerable service members. She explains how this environment not only increased the risk of assault but also protected perpetrators from accountability.
Lakeydra details multiple incidents of Military Sexual Trauma and the profound sense of betrayal she felt when leadership failed to act. Instead of receiving support, she faced retaliation, blame, and silence that compounded the harm. Her account also reveals the presence of trafficking networks inside the military, where power and authority were used to exploit and control.
Adding to this burden, Lakeydra experienced devastating personal loss with the death of her sister while she was still in service. The grief amplified her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts, leaving her isolated in a culture unwilling to protect or support survivors.
U.S. Air Force veteran Lakeydra Houston discusses Military Sexual Trauma and alcohol culture in Korea on The Silenced Voices of MST with Rachelle Smith
Despite this, Lakeydra found strength in advocacy. By seeking therapy, connecting with survivor networks, and building community through groups like KeyFit and The Pink Berets, she began transforming her pain into purpose. Today, she speaks out about the connection between Military Sexual Trauma, toxic military culture, and systemic neglect, calling for urgent reform and trauma-informed care.
“You have to
remember your ‘why’.”
- Lakeydra Houston
This episode points out the intersection of Military Sexual Trauma, alcohol culture in Korea, trafficking within the Air Force, and the enduring fight for survivor justice.
Lakeydra’s experience is a rallying call to action. Her story exposes institutional betrayal, the hidden crisis of trafficking, and the devastating effects of unaddressed complex traumas. But take this to heart. Her story is an example of the almost miraculous healing power of support and community. Lakeydra’s journey shows that even in the darkest moments, there is still a dawn.
Episode Trigger Warnings and Timestamps
01:18–02:29: Alcohol abuse and toxic drinking culture
02:32–02:50: MST and military inaction
02:54–04:10: Peer pressure, bullying, isolation
04:23–05:39: Sexual assault, betrayal, victim blaming
05:42–06:18: Further assault, deepening trauma
06:25–07:23: Depression, reluctance to disclose
07:44–08:18: Human trafficking, leadership complicity
08:24–10:19: “Juicy Girls,” survivor guilt
11:02–14:10: Sister’s death, harassment, self-harm, suicidal thoughts
17:34–18:39: Supporting another MST victim, starting advocacy
19:31–20:34: Survivor silencing, victim blaming
26:08–26:43: Transition out of service, overdose mention, ongoing healingThis episode contains a few references to news articles and books that are listed below:
Resources from this Episodes
🔍 If you’re currently working through the VA Disability claims process, download our free toolkit that helps you get the rating you deserve: Get access now
Wounds to Wisdom: Healing Through Veteran and First Responder Narratives
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Next Episode
Our host, Rachelle Smith, speaks with Gender Violence Institute founder, Chuck Derry, who offers insight into why Military Sexual Trauma has endured in the Armed Forces and exactly how to stop it.
Support and Community
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then 1
SA Support for the DoD Community, contact the DoD Safe Helpline: https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline
Join our Facebook community: The Advocates of MST
About the Guest
Lakeydra Houston is a U.S. Air Force veteran, survivor of Military Sexual Trauma, and advocate for reform. Through her work with organizations such as KeyFit and The Pink Berets, she supports fellow survivors and pushes for systemic change in how the military addresses sexual assault.