Rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment are a plague on the Armed Forces of the United States of America. This crisis threatens our national security by undermining operational readiness, draining morale, harming retention, and destroying lives.

The government has studied this issue for decades, and yet, assaults on our troops continue year after year with no end in sight. Sexual predators regularly walk away with slaps on the wrist instead of hard time. Servicemembers who are preyed upon have little to no protection against unsympathetic commanders and vengeful perpetrators. A hostile workplace environment of harassment and intimidation prevails.

We believe that Americans should not sacrifice their right to bodily integrity when they step forward to serve our nation. Turning a blind eye to crimes committed by sexual predators goes against the core values that are the hallmark of military leadership. Honor is found in the integrity, courage and commitment of troops and leaders to do the right thing and confront this crisis, protect and care for their own, and punish those who dare to harm a sister or brother in arms.

We, the undersigned, call on the United States Congress to hold the U.S. Armed Forces accountable for this crisis and to immediately develop and implement a comprehensive plan to eliminate rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment from our nation's military forever.


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Service Women's Action Network (SWAN)