DoD Shirks Congressional Oversight of Sexual Assault in the MilitaryMonday August 4, 2008 Last Thursday, I gave testimony on sexual assault in the military at a House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee oversight hearing. Kaye Whitley, director of the Department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, had been subpoenaed to testify at Thursday’s hearing, but apparently Department of Defense officials instructed her to stay away from the hearing. I am very disturbed by the DoD’s resistance to Congressional oversight on sexual assault. The DoD’s decision to keep Dr. Whitley from testifying undermines the progress the Pentagon has made in addressing sexual assault by suggesting that there is something to hide. Right now the DoD allows two options for reporting sexual assault: restricted reporting or unrestricting reporting. Filing a restricted report means the victim can receive healthcare services and counseling, but command is not notified and no investigation is conducted. Unrestricted reporting means that command is told, but the victim must submit broad medical records and any communication they had regarding treatment is open to the scrutiny of the chain of command. Quite simply, the current structure makes women who have suffered sexual assault choose between confidentiality and justice. It is unconscionable that women who serve their country in the military should have to make that decision. For three Congresses, I have introduced the Military Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Act. This legislation will ensure greater protections for service members and their families if they become victims of sexual assault or domestic violence. |
Dear Friends, Our campaign is in full swing, and we are going around the 28th District to put up yard signs in your area. If you would like a sign to display in your front yard or come help on the campaign, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at 585-697-0840 or email [email protected]. Help me to continue to make progress for a prosperous 28th district for New York. Sincerely, |
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