DOJ Questions Wisconsin National Guard’s Sexual Harassment Policies

The Department of Justice has raised serious questions about the sexual harassment policies of the Wisconsin National Guard. This military organization has seen numerous sexual harassment and sexual assault complaints over the past years, but many have been handled ineffectively according to the DOJ. Today, the DOJ is recommending that the National Guard make significant changes to its existing policies. 

If you have been sexual harassed at the workplace, it’s important to know that you have rights. You can get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney in Wisconsin who specializes in sexual harassment lawsuits. One of the key reasons the National Guard is experiencing so much controversy is that they failed to refer complaints to local law enforcement. If you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault, you can always get help from the authorities or a legal professional. 

DOJ Calls National Guard Policies “Outdated and Ineffective”

The DOJ’s review of the Wisconsin National Guard’s policies has been quite scathing. They have discovered what they described as an “outdated, ineffective, and understaffed” system for dealing with claims of sexual harassment and sexual assault. In addition, the organization claims that these outdated policies violate federal rules. It was so bad that the Wisconsin National Guard Adjutant General Donald Dumbar was forced to resign back in 2019. Among other violations, the National Guard used its own internal investigators to look into claims. This is a direct violation of official Department of Defense policy, as the organization was supposed to refer victims to local law enforcement instead. 

A number of cases were completely mishandled, which led to negative legal outcomes for victims of sexual harassment or assault. These included 12 cases that could not be prosecuted, as they involved conduct outside of the statute of limitations. 

No Criminal Charges Will be Filed

Despite having mishandled more than 30 cases of sexual assault from 2009 to 2019, the Wisconsin National Guard will not face any criminal charges from the Department of Justice. This will come as a slightly disappointing development for many who are watching this story, including the sexual assault victims themselves. On a more positive note, the DOJ is taking a very active role in modernizing and fixing existing policies. Among other things, the organization is recommending the National Guard educate their soldiers about prohibited relationships and the dangers of alcohol. Furthermore, the DOJ has strongly recommended that the National Guard keep sexual assault cases separate from “normal” disciplinary investigations. 

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault in Wisconsin, your first priority should be to protect yourself from further harm and call the authorities if necessary. Next, you should get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney. These legal professionals can help you hold negligent or criminal abusers accountable. After filing a lawsuit, you can pursue a substantial settlement for your damages. Book your consultation today.