Res. No. 854
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign the Defense STRONG Act to strengthen and increase resources available to victims of military sexual trauma.
By Council Members Dromm, Lappin, Brewer, Cabrera, Dickens, Eugene, Fidler, Gentile, Gonzalez, Koppell, Koslowitz, Lander, Recchia, Rose, Williams, Vacca, Chin, Reyna and Palma
Whereas, Recent studies reveal that up to one in three women leaving military service report they have experienced some form of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), which is a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was serving on active duty or training; and
Whereas, MST affects both women and men in uniform, but disproportionately affects women; and
Whereas, MST often leads to long-term debilitating psychological conditions, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression; and
Whereas, In 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical staff treated more than 68,000 veterans who reported some sexual trauma during their military service; and
Whereas, According to Department of Defense statistics, more than 3,150 military sexual assaults were reported in 2010; and
Whereas, Pentagon officials estimate that less than fourteen percent of sexual assault crimes against military personnel are reported; and
Whereas, Only eight percent of sexual assault allegations are prosecuted in the military, as compared to forty percent of sexual assault allegations amongst civilians; and
Whereas, On April 13, 2011, Congressman Turner and Congresswoman Tsongas reintroduced the Defense Sexual Trauma Response, Oversight and Good Governance Act, also known as the Defense STRONG Act, a bill that would provide expanded legal rights and protections for service members who have been victim of sexual assault while serving in the military; and
Whereas, The legislation would provide victims with an opportunity for legal counsel to better understand their rights and options; and
Whereas, The bill would provide for an expedited opportunity to transfer to another base when their attacker serves alongside them; and
Whereas, The Act would make more reporting and counseling sessions confidential and privileged; and
Whereas, Other provisions would make it easier to share sexual assault records with VA medical services and provide more comprehensive training for military victim advocates; and
Whereas, The legislation would mandate additional training on sexual assault prevention for troops; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the United States Congress to pass and the President to sign the Defense STRONG Act to strengthen and increase resources available to victims of military sexual trauma.
TM
LS# 2074
5/4/11