“The Invisible War,” a documentary about military sexual trauma, noted in 2009 more than 3,000 men and women reported rape in the military. But statistics show only 80 percent of rape victims actually report the incident.
The documentary, directed by Academy Award nominee Kirby Dick, made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. Elon’s Women’s and Gender Studies program brought the 90-minute documentary to the university and held a discussion after the film to discuss its impacts.
“This film evokes many emotions for me, including anger, sadness, shock and outrage,” said sophomore Delaney McHugo. “This film sheds light on issues that we as a society refuse to recognize. It is appalling that so many women who are serving our nation are sexually assaulted. It is even more appalling that the perpetrators are not being prosecuted or held accountable.”
Many individual victims spoke out for their rights through the film, but others were threatened to keep quiet. The victims, both male and female, spoke throughout the documentary about the permanent emotional, psychological and physical damage they endured and continue to endure.
The film said rape victims in the military have higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder than those in combat.
“[The movie] discusses the issue of sexual violence that is pervasive throughout all branches of the military,” said senior Rachel Zimmermann. “Following the lives of a few specific individuals, the film reveals the traumatic experiences those people endured while serving their country, the aftermath and the structural problems.”
Zimmermann, a women’s and gender studies minor, said LGBTQ issues that affect militaries around the world are important for Elon students to be aware of because many students don’t know the problem exists.
“I found it so shocking that I felt it needed to be brought to Elon’s campus,” Zimmermann said. “Although the documentary deals specifically with the military as an institution, I think it encourages viewers to think critically about those individuals and organizations that we assume to be trustworthy and further empower with our support.”
Other students found the film just as shocking.
“Most students were at a loss of words because the film was so intense,” McHugo said. “Many students voiced their anger as to why no action was being taken and how the system itself seems hopeless for survivors to get the respect they deserve. Many wanted to take action and spread the word about getting involved.”
“The Invisible War” was shown on campus to inform students about this problem, but also to help educate them about some lesser-known injustices of the world. The discussion not only took a closer look at the film, but forced students to realize they can make a positive impact, too.
The presentation’s goal was to call students’ attention to the problem and get them thinking about ways to improve society.
“If we as students can begin to recognize those injustices, we have the power on campus, as well as when we graduate and move on, to challenge the status quo, whatever that may be,” Zimmermann said.