“I Am Vanessa Guillen” Documentary on Netflix
TW: references of sexual harassment and assault are mentioned
On November 17, 2022, Netflix premiered a new documentary called, “I Am Vanessa Guillen.” Through Guillen’s life story, the film focuses on how a family’s love can overcome every obstacle, no matter how painful. Director Christy Wegner told NBC News, it is “not a traditional crime documentary by any means,” as it has a bigger mission.
Guillen was a young Mexican American soldier stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. From a very young age, she was interested in joining the army. Her family, however, believed it was not a fit future for a girl. Nevertheless, she enlisted at age 18 and her family saw how happy and determined she was to follow her dreams. However, all of this changed when Guillen was reported missing on April 22, 2020. After two months of investigation, her remains were found on June 30, 2020, a few miles away from Fort Hood. Specialists Aaron Robinson and Cecily Aguilar were responsible for her death, but before being confronted by the authorities, Robinson took his own life. As Guillen’s story spread, more information was shared by the Guillen family through the impactful documentary.
Guillen’s murder revealed a dark secret that Fort Hood has failed at addressing: sexual harassment and assault. In the documentary, her mother, Gloria Guillen, mentioned that prior to Guillen’s death she had a conversation with her about the sexual harassment Guillen experienced on the base. Additionally, during the time Guillen was missing, the military did not search extensively for her or inform and update her family of what details they had,
The Guillen family did not stand by silently. They took matters into their own hands by utilizing social media through the hashtag #FindVanessaGuillen. Many women from the military began to share their experiences of sexual harassment, and under the pressure of several different communities, the military was forced to finally speak out. After the search for Guillen was over, the hashtag changed to #JusticeForVanessaGuillen. As her family and friends mourned for her loss, they were inspired to lead a military reform movement initiated by her sisters Mayra Guillen and Lupe Guillen. They formed the “I Am Vanessa Guillen Act,” which addresses “the response of the Department of Defense to sex-related offenses committed against members of the Armed Forces, including allowing a member to confidentially allege a complaint of sexual harassment to an individual outside the immediate chain of command of that member.”
The Guillen family’s work demonstrates how pain can be turned into advocacy as they continue to share her story and bring justice for their daughter. Guillen’s death led to significant changes in the military policy towards sexual assault and sexual harrasment cases. Through their determination and will power, the Guillen family shows the importance of speaking out against injustices and bringing unheard voices to light.
