A Halifax sailor testified before a military court this week about the time he woke up in his bunk to find one of his superiors performing unwanted oral sex on him.
The alleged incident happened at the hands of Master Seaman Daniel Cooper, a naval communicator, in November 2015 on a navy destroyer stationed in Rota, Spain.
The victim, who identifies as straight, told the court that he had went to bed around 1 AM on November 10, 2015 after having a some drinks with friends. He woke up three hours later to find someone performing oral sex on him.
“I’m trying to figure out what’s going on,” he testified. “I’m in shock. I’m frozen stiff. I’m not sure what to do.”
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He tried alerting his lower bunkmate, but he says his cries for help were ignored.
“I said, ‘I think I’m getting raped’ … But he didn’t believe me. His response was, ‘You’re drunk and I have duty in a few hours. Go back to bed.'”
It wasn’t until the junior sailor allegedly told Cooper, “I’m not gay,” that he stopped. Cooper allegedly replied, “Oh, sorry,” and then promptly left.
Cooper is accused of sexual assault and ill treatment of a subordinate. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. During cross examination, his lawyer, Philippe-Luc Boutin, tried telling the victim he was “very drunk” and that the sex act was consensual.
“I’m going to suggest to you … that your account of that night is not the truth,” said Boutin. “You made up a story because it was more convenient for you.”
To which the junior sailor boldly replied, “I was raped.”
Before the victim was dismissed, Military Judge Cmdr. Sandra Sukstorf said, “Thank you for coming forward to tell your story.”
The trial continues.
Related: Why do people have so much trouble believing male victims of sexual assault?
h/t: Canoe
Lacuevaman
the lady doth protest too much
DCguy
So lets see,
Reporting an assault is “Protesting too much”. So by your definition, the only way to prove that this was not consensual would be for him to not report it, complain about it, or mention it?
Lacuevaman
Ms. DCguy: huh? methinks you do not know Hamlet.
Lacuevaman
Let’s get the terms correct:
According to the U.S. Department of Justice; “Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling and attempted rape.” There are also even more specific guidelines to what sexual assault is when looking at your own state. Specifically, the Code of Virginia § 18.2-359 covers the general description of sexual assault for the commonwealth of Virginia.
Sexual battery can be defined as “An unwanted form of contact with an intimate part of the body that is made for purposes of sexual arousal, sexual gratification or sexual abuse. Sexual battery may occur whether the victim is clothed or not.” (Source) Intimidation, threats, and force are all different ways that sexual battery can occur. Like sexual assault, sexual battery also has a part in the Code of Virginia under section § 18.2-67.4.
Rape is “the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim.” This is the newest definition given by the U.S. Department of Justice, the older definition was mainly based off of women who had been raped but the newest definition allows for all genders and gender identities to be acknowledged.
CanadianGuy62
US law is irrelevant. This happened on a Canadian navy ship docked in Spain. Just a heads up…there is a big, wide world out there!
Of course, there author could have done a much better job of providing details. (But it was mentioned that it happened in Spain, and the officer does have a maple leaf on his shoulder patch.)
I have to say, it is ironic that the officer’s title was “Master Seaman.” Perhaps it should be “Master of Semen.”
PinkoOfTheGange
Even if it happened on board a USN ship, those laws aren’t applicable. UMCJ would be the relevant code.
Lacuevaman
federal law
okiloki
armchair lawyer
roth99
I am not sure what the code says about a superior having sexual relations with a person of lower rank in this case under Canadian military law. Also, if one was married that under the code in the USA would be considered adultery, regardless of whether the sexual contact was consensual. Several high ranking generals had to step down a couple of years ago when it was discovered and they were found out to be having affairs. One was going to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and he resigned immediately. Another was a high ranking officer in the space program and also was forced out.
Sam6969
There are so many amateur videos on some famous porn websites, showing men performing oral sex on their drunk or sleeping roomate, that it is amazing. Of course, many of them are likely aware of what is happening (while not moving much) after some time, and they may sometimes enjoy it (most of the time because they live in different cultures, such as in latino american countries, India, etc.) but it is VERY risky for the abuser, as their consent is taken for granted.
Those videos contribute to creating homosexual fantasies that are in fact abuses, and as nobody seems caught, repelled or beaten in those videos (they probably would not be posted on the website otherwise), it gives the false impression it is not abuse or not that serious. Well, the fact is that it can cause the abuser a lot of troubles… It is like playing russian roulette…and it can also be traumatic for the person being sexually assaulted.
marcinmass
Biggest mistake victim made was opening his eyes. Did he cum?? Relax and enjoy. No one getting pregnant here.
Mick406
I’m still laughing at your comment. So many things went through my mind while reading that story. First off, the guy should have been happy to just lay there and get his rocks off. Curb service, if you will.
So, just whispering, “I’m not gay.” will immediately terminate the sucksation? Pulleeeeze. How many times do you hear that? It’s the response of a guy who really wants it but must have an excuse so as to not have a guilt complex on the ‘morning after’.
“He tried alerting his lower bunkmate, but he says his cries for help were ignored. “I said, ‘I think I’m getting raped’” Totally unconvincing! So . . . you just casually speak down to your lower bunkmate? You don’t jump up and knock the guy backward? Methinks it was feeling so good, this guy couldn’t make up his mind on what he wanted to do about it.
Bunkmate says, “Go back to bed.” So . . . this guy is out of bed? Standing up? Walking around? Getting his dick sucked while the suckee is following him on his knees? Why would the roomy say go back to bed? Something is rotten in Denmark!
And this poor sap gets a WOMAN JUDGE???!!! He will be tarred and feathered and forced to walk the plank!!!
Lastly, what a wuss! He’s getting an unsolicited BJ and he wants to totally destroy the life and career of the guy doing this for free!!! Tsk. Tsk.
Kieran. You asked: ” In What country?” Must be Canada since they mentioned he was from Halifrax. Maybe since Canada has recently turned ultra-liberal letting all the terrorists in, they might not see this as a horrible offense and go lightly on the perp.
ChrisK
Reminds me of the so called rape victims that went after Topher. “I lay there frozen not sure what to do. Please don’t cum in me”. Pulease girls.
captainburrito
Mick406
“You don’t jump up and knock the guy backward?”
From the looks of the bunks I’ve seen, jumping up is impossible. But at the same time I’m wondering how the sucker was positioned as he wouldn’t have been able to lie comfortably on the bunk with the victim.
Notright
Get real and/or get over it dude…
Kieran
The basics of journalism: Who, What, Where. As in: Where? In What country?
kernowcraig
It’s pretty clear in the editorial it happened in Spain.
Mick406
I THINK Canadian sailors stationed in Rota, Spain. We also have a base there. I think it is a NATO thing.
PinkoOfTheGange
On a RCN Destroyer.
kernowcraig
Its pretty bad some of the comments here saying he should have just lay there and let it happened. It would be an entirely different response if it were a guy assaulting a young girl while she slept. If it’s not a yes, then it’s a NO. its simple really!
ChrisK
Actually him leaving after saying he’s not gay was the no part according to the victim. He did stop.
DCguy
It’s interesting how the right wing trolls all want to attack the victim. Interesting…but not surprising.
Lacuevaman
shut up fool
Brody
Yeah, that’s rape.
Anyone claiming otherwise has never had it happen to them.
Esscourt
Why does the song “In The Navy” by The Village People resonate with this story?
blackhook
Yikes! …and to think that nothing EVER happens in Canada…except for bus beheadings, pig farmer murders, Parliament shootings & hockey riots. Now gay sex assault in the military? Shocking.
Kevan1
I do know know your situation, so i cannot comment on itI have had a girl do the same thing to me. I told her to wake me when she was done. She was fully aware I was gay. I woke to her giving me a BJ.
that ended it. The man giving the blow job probably assumed mistakenly that this guy was gay or at least cool with it. The guy stopped when he was let know it was not appreciated and apologized. The main problem is the man giving the blow job was a superior, that is considered sexual harassment. That is what crossed the line to me.
Mick406
One night while out in the field on a military exercise, I was asleep in a tent and a guy crawled over to me in the middle of the night. I barely knew his name. He proceeded to gently . . . very gently . . . reach into my underwear and ended up giving me the most silent BJ ever. He was very afraid for I could feel his hand shaking and his breathing was irregular. I think I could hear his heart pounding in his chest. He was young, I was middle aged. I never moved a muscle (except the muscle he was working on).
The next day, I never said a word to him. We were out there for 2 weeks and the day we left he still didn’t know if I was aware of what he did to me. I ranked much higher than him and I know he was worried the whole time because I saw him avoiding me and never making eye contact. I never told on him and I never told any other person. He didn’t need to be tortured for having a weak moment. I hope he enjoyed it. I did!!! I didn’t consider it rape or battery or whatever. In fact, I slept mighty contentedly!!!
Kevan1
Sorry last comment was in response to Brody.
Chris
“I’m frozen stiff.” [rimshot]
jmw85
There was no rimshot, only a BJ
Greg
This story doesn’t sound true. The guy getting the blowjob wasn’t tied down. If he woke up during the “assault”, he should have reacted. I think he would have jumped up, scream WTF?, got out of bed, but he said he was in shock. Really? In shock? He tried to figure out what was going on. Your dick is out of your pants, it’s hard and somebody has their mouth on it. What do you think is going on? He alerts his lower bunkmate, but his cries went ignored. How loud were his cries? Didn’t his bunkmate see there was another person hanging off the bunk? The guy says, I think I’m being raped? He’s having this conversation with his lower bunkmate while the guy is still blowing him? Then he gives the guy his disclaimer of “I’m not gay”. That was his solution? Even though it apparently worked, but what if the guy said, “That’s okay. Neither am I”. These stories sound so weird to me.
ChrisK
Count down for all the arm chair psychologists to explain why the guy just laid there getting blown with the weak excuses for not actually getting up from it.
Mick406
” . . . but what if the guy said, “That’s okay. Neither am I”.” GOOD ONE, GREG!!!
ChrisK . . . I said it earlier. I’ve seen it before. A young guy or one who is “bi” but may not fully realize it, will have to validate what they let happen by coming up with a bullshit story like this one. The psychologists SHOULD come out on this and explain why so many ‘normal’ or hetero guys will allow sex things to happen to them by another male, appear to enjoy it, and then viciously turn on the person who gave them the pleasure.
I equate it with many of these ‘molesting’ incidents by clergy. Those boys 14 and over didn’t have to participate. I would simply have bolted out the door. They said they were overpowered by the ‘authority figure’, and then years later they go to police and make charges. I believe they are so brainwashed by society that ANY homo act is evil and sinful that they have a battle of the brain trying to figure out how to accept that they did it. They know deep inside that it felt good and they weren’t about to stop letting it happen. But after many years of ‘thinking’, they squeal to erase their own guilt. Now, don’t get me wrong. I know some of the molesting was on much younger kids and was detestable.
I think some people have to find a way to punish the other guy because they had a weak moment and enjoyed the sex that they normally wouldn’t have started. I think this sailor laid there the whole time and enjoyed it and once it was over he felt compelled to turn to the other guy and say, “I’m not gay.” just to assuage his own conscience. Then, the next day, he goes into a deeper feeling of regret and squeals on the ‘giver’ just to help convince himself if he turns the guy in, then HE is really okay after all.
Kevan1
to Mike 406; Sounds hot. The guy giving you the blow job was not your superior. I think you did the right thing though. Maybe later you can let him know you know what he did and you enjoyed it, so long as he is not under your direct supervision. Things do get a bit cloudy in this situation.
The problem , as i am sure you get, is if roles were reversed he may have been afraid to report or say no due to the fact you have the upper hand in the power struggle out ranking him.
Sam6969
LOL, some comments here are just painfully ignorant and crammed with sophisms. Just start by reading the original article, as the Queerty’s one removed chunks of the story. It will clarify some of your questions. It will be easier for you to picture what allegedly happened.
It is the sailor in the bunk below, who convinced the accuser to report the sexual assault, because he realized his coworker was not dreaming (or being delirious), as he first thought.
Plus, some of you suggest he should have martially responded faster, just like an heroic you in a movie, but you forget he was likely still disoriented, completely in the dark and that it all happened quickly. Also, people like the abuser choose carefully their prey, maybe originating from a more lay back culture. They would certainly not choose someone likely to be agressive.
Anyway, you really think that the gross inconsistencies you suggest would not have been raised by the defendant (lawyer)? You really think you are smarter than all the lawyers and the judge?
http://canoe.com/news/national/i-think-im-getting-raped-sailor-testifies-he-woke-up-to-a-superior-performing-oral-sex-on-him
Btw, your personal successful experiences do not mean everyone reacts or should react the same way. If you try blowing up someone sleeping without being sure of his consent, it is like a reality check for you. I suppose you just have to assume the consequences.
That being said, if there are sanctions, they should be proportionate to the damages caused. To me, it should certainly not lead to a career wreck, or imprisonment…unless there are more serious charges to come.
I’d love to live in a world, where we all suck each other off happily, in tacit agreement, but that is called the Kinky Care Bears World :))
Sam6969
I’d like to add studies were made on the way men respond in similar situations. Here is a quote by a psychotherapist reporting some of those results. Read carefully:
“The anticipatory phase immediately precedes the sexual assault. Realising that they are potentially in danger the victim deploys various defence mechanisms including rationalisation in order to preserve safety and avoid escalation of violence. Many men will freeze or submit in order to minimise injury as a result of primitive responses for self-preservation and will therefore put up minimal resistance. The definition of a real man Stanko (1990) ‘ a strong heterosexual male protector, capable of taking care of himself and, if necessary, guarding his and other’s safety aggressively’ (cited in Petrak & Hedge 2002 p52) is not supported in a UK study of 119 cases of male sexual assault where freezing was the victim response in 60% of heterosexuals, bisexuals and homosexuals (Hodge & Canter 1998). The impact phase includes the duration of the assault and the immediate aftermath. The intense fear of death or bodily harm gives rise to inability to appraise or respond to the situation. This may give rise to overwhelming psychological arousal such as shock, numbness, disbelief and helplessness. Males tend to conceal their emotions and adopt the need to deal with the situation as they would expect the masculine stereotype to do. The reconstitution phase encompasses the weeks and months following the rape during which time the victim attends to basic needs and may make efforts to reduce vulnerability by changing telephone numbers or moving house. It is during this phase that the differences between male and female victims probably become more apparent with the male victims struggling with sexual and gender identity, anger and self denial. The resolution phase is characterised by anger despair and shame. In males particularly hostility and desire for revenge may well feature.”
source: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellor-articles/the-psychological-effects-of-male-rape
(first article found on the subject)
inbama
That’s a British study, and the Brits sensibly define rape as any kind of penetration.
A surprise bj and having someone force their way inside you really should not be covered by the same word.
crowebobby
If this has never happened to you and/or you’re not straight, you have no idea how you would react in the same situation. As someone who had a great deal of experience with subway groping — both first and second hand — I can unequivocally state that the average straight guy is too embarrassed make any kind of fuss because of the other people around. The serious bad-ass and the prissy queen may physically and/or vocally object, but most guys will just let it happen even if they don’t want it to. It’s strange how millions of men climbed into the cattle cars taking them to concentration camps in WWII, yet there isn’t a man alive today who wouldn’t have fought to the death rather than going quietly.
Sam6969
What kind of groping?
Sam6969
They react the same whether it is the buttocks or the crotch?
Whatever…thx for the interesting account.
Black Pegasus
Rape? For realz dude? There are countless men and women who’ve experienced the unfortunate brutality of RAPE. Throwing that term around so casually is what offends me the most.
inbama
Almost as ridiculous as the 30 year old gay directory who was groped by Kevin Spacey in a bar and suffered PTSD for over 6 months. somehow, men have morphed into delicate Victorian maidens.
scotty
hey, semen!
navybiboi1
this story has too many holes..I used to be in the Navy and the victim would either need to be sleeping in the middle rack or upper rack of he called down below to a bunkmate..I going to go with upper because they have more room..I used to sleep in the bottom rack and their was literally no room to do anything much less get a BJ unless you sitting on the edge..the suspect in question who had to have some big balls to attempt such an act that close in the vicinity of someone else as their is no privacy at all in the berthing areas but I digress