On March 19, a panel of experts and advocates came together at Cornell Law School’s Landis Auditorium to illuminate the challenges and avenues for advocacy in supporting survivors of military sexual trauma. The panelists had gathered for the Berger International Speakers Series event “Bringing Human Rights Home: Representing Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma,” which was co-sponsored by Cornell Law’s Gender Justice Clinic and Veterans Law Practicum.
The program featured voices from the legal field and those directly affected who highlighted a collective drive towards systemic change and the safeguarding of human rights within the military context. The panelists included Stephanie Schroeder, a retired United States Marine Corps veteran and founder of the Eyes Right Veterans Foundation; Benjamin Pomerance, deputy counsel for the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services; Pilar Gonzalez Navarrine ’24, a student in the Gender Justice Clinic; and Patrick George ’24, a U.S. Air Force veteran and founding member of the Veterans Law Practicum. The panel was moderated by Cailley Silbert ’24, also a student in the Gender Justice Clinic.
Schroeder discussed issues in the U.S. military’s handling of sexual assault reports, particularly the risks of retaliation faced by victims. She shared her personal experience of being discharged after reporting a felony, leading her to advocate for other service members who suffer reprisals for reporting sexual assault.
Pomerance highlighted legal challenges faced by military sexual assault survivors, emphasizing the need for better education on the rights and benefits available to them. Many victims remain unaware of their entitlement to healthcare and disability compensation, leading to underreporting of assaults.
George stressed the importance of changing military culture to ensure survivors are supported and offenders are held accountable, while also educating service members on their rights.
Gonzalez Navarrine highlighted the clinic’s international advocacy, including participation in U.N. human rights processes. Schroeder, a petitioner in one of these cases, described the impact of a U.S. military leader’s public apology, which opened the door for significant policy changes. Despite systemic issues, panelists expressed hope for progress, encouraging students to engage in this important work.
