Rape within the military as a global social issue Rape has been around since the beginning of time. It is a crime that occurs not only in our country, in our world, but also in our military. The first anti-violence center was founded in the 1970s. Now more than ever, many men and women in the military are coming forward after these horrific attacks were levied against them. Unlike decades past, this tragic and vicious crime is being brought into the spotlight and starting to be addressed more than ever. This is a current and devastating problem affecting men and women globally. Prevalence of the Problem To put an end to this epidemic, we need to identify and understand the root of the problem. According to an article, Rape: A Weapon of War, by Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (2013): In the 20th century, the perception of rape in war has shifted from something that is inevitable when men are deprived of female company for prolonged periods to a real conflict tactic. The lasting psychological damage that rape inflicts on its victims has also been recognised: rape is always torture, says Manfred Nowak, Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. (1) The objective is to educate, fight against the numerous social injustices of rape victims, fight for the peace of the victim, the prevention of the act and ensure the best treatment for these individuals. In the NY Times article Military Rape, Enemy Within the Ranks, Mary Calvert illustrates the impact that the problem of rape has taken in the United States: “More than 26,000 rapes and sexual assaults took place in the military last year, and most women who actually reported that they were basically thrown out... middle of paper... considered a sign of weakness or vulnerability, due to the "stronger and higher" standards a member is held to of the armed forces. Finally, the culture that the military is trying to produce is ultimately suppressing women's rights. Conclusion There is no excuse or any kind of justification for rape. However, since this is a widespread problem, a call for widespread awareness is necessary. As global citizens, the world must become more aware of the effects of stigmas and stereotypes surrounding rape within the military. By eliminating these influences, a reduction in cases of sexual violence can be achieved. Until then, it is vital that the issue is considered seriously and put into perspective. Only by raising awareness, even outside the military world, is it possible to take a stand against these labels that are costing veterans their livelihood and peace of mind..