Rep. Delgado Testifies on Bipartisan Bill to Support Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma

Statement

Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) testified to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs in support of his VA Peer Support Enhancement for MST Survivors Act. The bipartisan bill, introduced with Representative Nancy Mace (SC-01), establishes a peer support program at the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

"As Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, one of my top priorities is making sure that VA is safe and welcoming for all veterans who walk through its doors--including veteran survivors of Military Sexual Trauma," said Chairman Takano. "That's why I'm proud to support Rep. Delgado's bipartisan legislation to ensure veteran survivors have access to the same trauma-informed peer support when applying for benefits through the Veterans Benefits Administration as they do when seeking VA healthcare."

"Because the military is a brother- and sisterhood like no other, peer support programs are very effective and have long been popular in the veteran community," said Malia Du Mont, Chair of Rep. Delgado's NY-19 Veterans Advisory Committee. "This bill will create a critical new resource for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma, which will be a welcome addition to the other peer support programs currently available to veterans in NY-19. I would like to thank Congressman Delgado for his unwavering efforts to ensure that all veterans have access to the support and assistance they need."

"As a retired Army Command Sergeant Major and now a VSO, I find it absolutely revolting to listen to the horrible, disgusting MST stories that I encounter when processing claims for Veterans," said Gary Flaherty, Director of the Columbia County Veteran's Service Agency. "Our County is small, yet we have 9 MST cases. It is particularly a struggle to get a MST case approved for male Veterans. Regardless of whether a male or female Veteran, we know that military personnel were and are hesitant to seek help. Thanks to Congressman Delgado's introduction of this critical legislation, these Veterans will finally be heard."

While the Veterans Health Administration has a peer support system for MST survivors and the Department of Defense has its own victim advocate program, the VBA has no similar programs. As such, MST survivors receive no formal mental health support as part of their application process at the VBA--the agency responsible for administering financial benefits and programs for veterans including service-connected disability compensation, non-service-connected pension, vocational rehabilitation, G.I. Bill benefits, and more.

Source