Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell
(D-Theresa) announced that legislation she authored requiring the state
Division of Veterans’ Affairs to provide assistance to veterans who experienced
military sexual trauma (MST) during their military service (A.7086) passed the
Assembly today.
Military sexual trauma refers to sexual
assault or harassment that took place during a veteran’s service against his or
her will. This bill would require the state 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, including the Jefferson County
Veterans Service Agency and the St. Lawrence County Veterans Department, to report
information on MST.
“MST is an extremely serious issue that unfortunately
has been on the increase and demands action,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “The
time is now to get serious about addressing this issue and provide a support system
for our brave servicemembers so they can 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. Additionally, a Pentagon report for Fiscal Year 2012
– the most recent data available – found a 6 percent rise in reported assaults
over the last year, for a total of 3,374; however, 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 chair of the Women Veterans
Subcommittee and a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I understand that
our servicemembers can no longer afford inaction on this issue” Assemblywoman
Russell said. “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.”
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