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.
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.
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.
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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