Combating Sexual Assault in the Military

Floor Speech

Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, for the past year, my office has worked with a young female soldier who was raped while serving her country. Active US Army, she says that when she reported the crime, she was threatened and harassed.

The military's solution was to direct her assailant to stay away from her, which he ignored.

This woman acted bravely by reporting the assault--only about 10 percent of victims do--and the military failed her.

She is now AWOL: lost, afraid, without pay, without prospects--and without her justice. Her situation is far too common. And it's unacceptable.

This year's National Defense Authorization includes important reforms. It strips commanders of their authority to change or dismiss convictions and it expands legal assistance to victims.

The military must fully implement these changes and do all it can to ensure that its culture no longer tolerates sexual violence. The military must prosecute sexual abuse offenders and ensure victims have protection and support and the assurance of justice that all victims deserve.

End this shame on America and ensure that women ``can be all they can be'' in the U.S. military, without discrimination, harassment or fear of sexual assault.

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