The Invisible War is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. The directors present a difficult topic in a manner that is engaging but not overwhelming. The stories of several women and men are shared. We learn about each as the film progresses and just as a story seems to be overwhelming, we are given a chance to breathe, to relax, to learn a little more about the system itself, before diving into the devastating life stories again, not unlike a roller coaster ride.
Although this film presents the failures of the current DoD policy of Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault, it is not a military-bashing production. In fact, the directors have done an excellent job showing pride in military service. One of the heart breaking conclusions I came to as a viewer is that the final blow for many of these women and men was that they were forced to abandon their military careers simply for reporting rape.
I have seen this film twice. The first time was a special screening before its major release in theaters. As a military wife, I immediately realized its importance to the military community and when the film arrived in Washington DC, I took three military officers with me to see it opening night. One of these officers was my husband, an active duty Colonel, the second was a male active duty Lieutenant Colonel, the third was a female Major in the Reserves. All three agreed that the film changed their perceptions of the current Zero Tolerance program conducted by DoD and that the film should be seen by more service members.
If you are in the military or know someone who is in the military, I cannot recommend this film highly enough. You will leave the theater understanding that the primary problem with Zero Tolerance isn't that women place themselves in dangerous situations but that sexual predators are attracted to the military environment and plan their attacks with precision. You will also understand that there is a direct connection between poor commanders and incidents of rape in that command. Too many of our officers are willing to turn a blind eye, often in the name of being fair.
The film concludes that It is only through higher rates of prosecution and a better awareness that victims are currently blamed more than they are believed that we can begin to tackle this difficult issue.
This is a film that will leave you wanting to do more.
Although this film presents the failures of the current DoD policy of Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault, it is not a military-bashing production. In fact, the directors have done an excellent job showing pride in military service. One of the heart breaking conclusions I came to as a viewer is that the final blow for many of these women and men was that they were forced to abandon their military careers simply for reporting rape.
I have seen this film twice. The first time was a special screening before its major release in theaters. As a military wife, I immediately realized its importance to the military community and when the film arrived in Washington DC, I took three military officers with me to see it opening night. One of these officers was my husband, an active duty Colonel, the second was a male active duty Lieutenant Colonel, the third was a female Major in the Reserves. All three agreed that the film changed their perceptions of the current Zero Tolerance program conducted by DoD and that the film should be seen by more service members.
If you are in the military or know someone who is in the military, I cannot recommend this film highly enough. You will leave the theater understanding that the primary problem with Zero Tolerance isn't that women place themselves in dangerous situations but that sexual predators are attracted to the military environment and plan their attacks with precision. You will also understand that there is a direct connection between poor commanders and incidents of rape in that command. Too many of our officers are willing to turn a blind eye, often in the name of being fair.
The film concludes that It is only through higher rates of prosecution and a better awareness that victims are currently blamed more than they are believed that we can begin to tackle this difficult issue.
This is a film that will leave you wanting to do more.