Protect Our Defenders Foundation

Programs: Research-education - policy - legal advocacythe foundation engages in projects to drive systemic institutional change in the u. S. Military by educating the public, media, policy makers, survivors, military and opinion leaders about the epidemic of sexual assault in the military, the culture of pervasive misogyny, sexual harassment, and retribution against victims, problems with the current justice system; and how the current culture, and crisis of sexual violence erode military values, unit cohesion and mission readiness. The foundation provides research findings, expertise, and advice based on data-driven analysis of the military culture and justice system's treatment of sexual assault victims, and related problems with harassment and discrimination of women, minorities, and lgbtq individuals. Through policy suggestions the foundation addresses roadblocks to va benefits and care for veterans who are survivors and it has helped secure significant policy and administrative changes.

legal servicesthe foundation's pro bono network contributed $2,353,047 of free legal services in support of the foundation's mission and continues to help military sexual assault survivors with legal support. The foundation organizes and trains over 40 attorneys nationwide who volunteer to represent victims and advocate for their rights during the investigation and prosecution of their offender. The program staff provides victims who face challenges related to such issues as retaliatory discharges, errant medical diagnoses and loss of va benefits, with case work assistance. This assistance includes: drafting foia requests to gain access to their military records, filing congressional or inspector general complaints into the mishandling of cases; and conducting inquiries into services for survivors. Podf's work through this program deepens our expertise on issues impacting victims and further informs our understanding of the broken military justice system, which has led to meaningful policy change. The foundation has filed numerous amicus briefs (also called "friend of the court" briefs) before the military courts of appeals to protect and enforce the rights of survivors and protect their dignity. The foundation, through and with the assistance of pro bono legal counsel, has a reputation for filing cutting edge amicus briefs. As a result, the foundation is frequently contacted by military special victims' counsel to aid them in filing their appeals and advising them on how to craft the best legal arguments. Victims' counsel views the foundation as the experts in enforcing victim rights.

survivor support -mentoring -survivor advocacythrough a number of projects and initiatives, the foundation identifies and brings together survivors of sexual assault in the military, and in doing so enables them to support one another and share their stories with the public, media, and policymakers. Foundation board members and staff serve as mentors to survivors; and provide education and training to better enable them to advocate for themselves, build their own local support networks, and engage in activities to help one another. This has created, and will continue to create, a growing and self-sustaining community of survivors and their supporters and advocates, which is affecting important changes both within and outside of the military. The foundation engages the media to cover these issues and potential solutions to problems, especially through the lens of the individual service members and their families, as well as the viewpoints of military justice experts, and retired military leaders and in doing so, it shapes the national debate regarding the crises of sexual assault in the military and its wide range of adverse effects in military and civilian communities, as well as on military readiness.