Protect Our Defenders

• Paula Coughlin, Board Member, Protect Our Defenders

  The Defense Department received more than 5,000 reports of sexual abuse last year, an increase of 50 percent over 2012. Leaders say the numbers show victims have more faith that the military will take their cases seriously. Not everyone is so optimistic. In our special report, Trust Redefined: Reconnecting Government and Its Employees, Tom and Emily spoke with Paula Coughlin on Federal Drive. She blew the whistle on the Navy's Tailhook scandal in the 1990s. Today she is a board member of the victims advocacy group Protect Our Defenders.

  Federal Drive

  May 20, 2014
• Despite increased reporting of sexual assaults, DoD still struggles to tackle issue

  It's been 23 years since the Tailhook scandal rocked the Navy, and the Pentagon is still struggling to eliminate sexual assaults from the military. The number of reported cases is on the rise, but is counting cases alone solving the problem?

  Federal Drive

  May 20, 2014
• Air Force creating ‘battle rhythm’ to stop sexual assault

  The Air Force said it has identified 59 victims at a basic training facility. Thirty-two instructors are among those who have been accused or convicted of committing sexual improprieties with trainees. Senior leaders say they must do more to stop the problem.

  Federal Drive

  January 24, 2013