Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) has sponsored
legislation to require assistance to veterans who experienced military sexual
trauma (MST) during their military service (A.7086). This legislation, which
passed the Assembly unanimously last year, has passed out of the Veterans’
Affairs Committee. Assemblywoman Russell noted how important addressing this
issue is, especially in light of continued reports at the national level of
arrests of military members or personnel charged with sexual abuse or
harassment.
Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault
or harassment that took place during a veteran’s service. This bill would
require the Division of Veterans Affairs to devise a plan to provide assistance
and benefits for veterans who experience MST while on active duty or during
military training. The legislation would also require county and city veterans
service agencies to report information on MST.
“MST is an extremely serious issue that
threatens the welfare of our courageous men and women in uniform,”
Assemblywoman Russell said. “Our servicemembers have made great sacrifices to
defend our freedom and country, and it is our duty to provide them with a
support system upon their return home to help them recover and regain a sense
of normalcy.”
Over 85,000 veterans received treatment for
injuries or illness sustained as a result of MST in 2012 alone. However, only
roughly 26,000 cases of MST were anonymously reported.[1] The
disparity between these numbers highlights the gross underreporting of the
sexual abuse that our military servicemembers experience, Assemblywoman Russell
noted.
“As the chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on
Women Veterans and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the well-being
of our veterans is a top priority of mine,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “This
legislation is another critical step toward providing these brave men and women
who have sacrificed so much the help they need to transition back into civilian
life. I urge members of the Senate to join us in support of this bill; we owe
it to our servicemen and women to get this law in place.”
-30-