Testimony on Sexual Assaults in the Military

The issue of sexual violence in the military is not new. It has been allowed to go in the shadows for far too long. Our best, brightest, and bravest join our Armed Forces for all the right reasons: to serve our country, to protect our freedom, and to keep America safe. The vast majority of our brave men and women serving in uniform do so honorably and bravely, but there is no doubt that we have men and women in uniform who are committing acts of sexual violence and should no longer be allowed to serve. Too often, women and men have found themselves in the fight of their lives not in the theater of war but in their own ranks, among their own brothers and sisters and ranking officers in an environment that enables sexual assault. After an assault occurs-an estimated 19,000 sexual assaults happened in 2011 alone according to DOD's own estimates-some of these victims have to fight all over again with every ounce of their being just to have their voice heard, their assailant brought to any measure of justice, and then to fight for the disability claims they deserve to be fulfilled.