Following The Invisible War's initial allegations of widespread harassment and sexual assault at Marine Barracks Washington, eight women filed suit against military leaders for maintaining an environment that tolerates rapists while silencing survivors.
On April 16, 2012, Secretary Panetta issued a directive ordering all sexual assault cases to be handled by senior officers at the rank of colonel or higher. This effectively ended the practice of commanders prosecuting sexual assault cases from within their own units. Panetta later told one of the film's producers that watching The Invisible War contributed to his decision to revise this policy. The filmmakers applauded these changes but said that the Pentagon needed to take further steps, such as requiring that investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases be handled outside of the military chain of command.
On April 16, 2012, Secretary Panetta issued a directive ordering all sexual assault cases to be handled by senior officers at the rank of colonel or higher. This effectively ended the practice of commanders prosecuting sexual assault cases from within their own units. Panetta later told one of the film's producers that watching The Invisible War contributed to his decision to revise this policy. The filmmakers applauded these changes but said that the Pentagon needed to take further steps, such as requiring that investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases be handled outside of the military chain of command.
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