POLITICS: Sexual assault allegations revealed within the CIA: Report

Multiple allegations of sexual assault within the CIA are coming to light. Some victims describe it as the CIA’s own #MeToo Movement. 

Courts in Northern Virginia and Washington have been hearing cases of alleged sexual assault at the spy agency for more than a year now, according to CNN. 

Two cases in Virginia led to convictions of misdemeanor assault.

A federal judge in the capital sentenced a former CIA officer to 30 years in prison for drugging and sexually assaulting dozens of women.  

At least one other claim resulted in an officer being fired.

Several female whistleblowers have gone to Capitol Hill recently to testify behind closed doors to congressional oversight committees about allegations of sexual assault and harassment at the agency.

According to CNN, one female contractor said a senior officer came to her home with a firearm demanding sexual relations. 

Earlier this year, a report by the CIA’s inspector general and a separate review by congressional investigators found serious deficiencies in how the agency handled complaints.

In response, the agency launched a major reform effort. That includes having a dedicated office to receive the allegations and hiring a law enforcement officer to help facilitate investigations.

An agency survey found 28% of respondents said they experienced at least one instance of a sexually hostile environment while working at the CIA. A total of 7% of respondents reported experiencing at least one instance of unwanted sexual contact or assault in their career at the agency. 

Senior CIA officials say the next step is education for managers on to handle instances of assault and sexual harassment, as well as for the workforce on the resources available to them.