Res. No. 1807
Resolution calling upon the United States Congress to pass and the President of the United States to sign the Ruth Moore Act of 2013, which would improve the disability claims process for victims of Military Sexual Trauma.
By Council Members Rose, Brewer, James, Lander, Mendez and Richards
Whereas, In May 2013, the United States (U.S.) Department of Defense estimated that 26,000 service members experienced incidents of unwanted sexual contact in 2012, an increase from an estimated 19,000 incidents in 2011; and
Whereas, More than 85,000 veterans were treated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2012 for injuries or illness resulting from Military Sexual Trauma (MST), defined as psychological trauma that is a result of a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred during active military service; and
Whereas, The VA provides disability benefits to honorably and generally discharged veterans with injuries or diseases that were incurred or aggravated during active duty or training for active or inactive duty; and
Whereas, Veterans filing VA disability claims for MST must submit proof that they were assaulted or sexually harassed in a threatening manner in order to qualify for benefits; and
Whereas, It is estimated that more than 85 percent of military sexual assaults are not officially reported, making it difficult for victims of MST to meet the burden of proof required by the VA; and
Whereas, U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree and U.S. Senator Jon Tester introduced the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 on February 13, 2013, legislation aimed at easing the evidentiary requirements for MST disability claims; 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 of the United States to sign the Ruth Moore Act of 2013, which would improve the disability claims process for victims of Military Sexual Trauma.
LS# 4742
6/3/13 6:42PM
KET