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| Support NOW's Work | | April 9, 2009 | | Tell a Friend |
| Read NOW President Kim Gandy's op-ed piece, "Stop Rape and Assault: And That's An Order!" |  | A National Disgrace: Stop Sexual Assault in the Military Countless military women and military spouses are victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. It is estimated that rates of marital abuse in the military are two to five times higher than civilian rates of domestic violence. Moreover, one in three women in the military will be sexually assaulted during their tour of duty. Ending sexual violence against women in the military must start now! Act now to support the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act to address this national epidemic and stop the violence against military women and military families! On Feb. 3, Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-N.Y.) reintroduced the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act (H.R.840). The bill works to reduce violence against military personnel and their families by enhancing programs of prevention and deterrence, improving victim services, and strengthening provisions for prosecution of assailants. If passed, this law will establish a Victims' Advocate Office within the Department of Defense (DoD) which will be responsible for assessing the services provided to military personnel who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. In addition, the bill directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that every branch of the military provides victims' advocate programs and violence prevention training. The Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act protects victims by prohibiting retaliation for reporting assaults and calls for the employment of a sexual assault nurse examiner, psychiatrist, and clinical team at each DoD treatment facility. It also provides court-martial punishment for violations of "no contact" orders or protective orders. Please contact your U.S. Representative and urge immediate sponsorship of the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act (H.R.840). The bill currently has 30 House sponsors and we need to at least triple this number so that the bill can have a committee hearing and proceed to the House floor for a vote. The passage of this legislation is a crucial step towards ensuring the safety and wellbeing of military personnel and their families, so take action now! More Information: "Stop Rape and Assault: And That's An Order!" by NOW President Kim Gandy |
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