By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Major Michael Stockin, a pain management specialist at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, pleaded guilty to 36 counts of abusive sexual contact and 5 counts of indecent viewing, stemming from allegations by 41 soldiers. These acts occurred under the guise of medical examinations between 2019 and 2022. The case, considered the largest sexual abuse scandal in recent military history by Protect Our Defenders, has prompted lawsuits against the Army and Department of Defense for negligence in hiring and supervising Stockin. Sentencing will follow the judge’s approval of the plea, with victim impact statements anticipated.
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A military doctor stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) pleaded guilty to sexually abusing dozens of soldiers under his care. The sheer number of victims—41 men who have come forward—is staggering, and raises troubling questions about the time it took to bring him to justice. It’s deeply disturbing that it took so many reports of abuse before he was finally charged. The bravery of these men in reporting their assaults cannot be overstated; they deserve immense praise and recognition for their courage. Their actions likely prevented further atrocities and saved countless others from similar suffering. They are, without a doubt, heroes.
The fact that the doctor’s abuse went undetected for so long highlights a critical issue: sexual assault against men, particularly in the military, is significantly underreported. Many victims, understandably, feel immense shame, fear retaliation, or doubt whether their experiences even constitute assault. The military’s historical record of protecting perpetrators only exacerbates these challenges, creating a culture where victims are hesitant to come forward. This case is a stark reminder of the systemic issues that need to be addressed to protect service members from abuse and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. We need to fundamentally change how we support victims and prosecute abusers.
The timeline itself is also concerning. The Army launched its investigation in 2022 after receiving multiple complaints, and the doctor was temporarily suspended from patient care. However, it took over a year for formal charges to be filed, and the final charges involved allegations from 41 victims spanning several years. The slow pace of the investigation leaves many wondering whether earlier intervention could have prevented further abuse. It underscores the need for more efficient and responsive systems within the military to address sexual assault allegations promptly and thoroughly. The delays are inexcusable. The sheer number of alleged victims—and the possibility that there are even more unreported cases—is horrifying.
Many commentators express frustration over the long period of time before the doctor was held accountable. There’s a sense of disbelief that it took so many victims to bring this case to light. Some raise questions regarding the military’s accountability mechanisms and suggest that the process itself often silences or punishes victims rather than providing justice. The entire system seems designed to protect abusers rather than support the abused. This case isn’t just about one doctor; it exposes a wider issue about the climate within the military and the way such crimes are handled. The fact that these are male victims raises another layer to this issue—there’s a pervasive and damaging lack of sensitivity and understanding around male victims of sexual assault that needs to change.
This situation unfortunately reflects a broader cultural problem: the skepticism surrounding male victims of sexual abuse. While the brave soldiers in this case are being praised for coming forward, one can’t help but notice the societal double standard. It’s easier for people to believe male victims when they’re in uniform and the perpetrator is a person of authority within the same system, but the same willingness to believe isn’t often extended to civilian victims. The disparity is alarming and indicative of a societal bias against male victims that needs to be acknowledged and addressed.
The comments also touch upon broader societal issues, such as the role of toxic masculinity in discouraging men from reporting sexual abuse. The idea that men should be stoic and unemotional creates a culture of silence where victims suffer in isolation, fearing shame or ridicule. We need to foster an environment where men feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment, or having their experiences invalidated.
The sheer scale of this abuse and the delayed justice highlight a systemic failure. The military has a responsibility to protect its members, and this case represents a catastrophic breakdown in that responsibility. We need to move beyond simply punishing perpetrators; we must actively work to create a culture of prevention, where sexual assault is not tolerated, and victims feel empowered to come forward without fear of reprisal. Justice demands accountability, but it also requires significant systemic reform to ensure that such tragedies are never repeated. The focus needs to shift toward fostering a supportive environment for victims and implementing robust measures to prevent future occurrences. This is not just about individual accountability; it’s about creating a fundamental change in military culture.