New legislation is being introduced that will address military sexual trauma (MST), a crime that can affect female military victims for years after the attack. There has been a strong move lately in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the military in general in addressing soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Many victims of military sexual assault, however, believe there is not enough being done to address the issues specifically related to sexual violence.
Two bills are being simultaneously introduced addressing MST issues. The first is being introduced by Sen. Susan Collins, and will help the Pentagon pursue and prosecute soldier sex offenders while protecting victims remaining on active duty. The second is being introduced by U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree and would make it easier for those MST victims suffering from PTSD related to their MST to receive their earned benefits.
The VA acknowledges the seriousness of MST and plans on issuing a formal response to Rep. Pingree's issues. The VA pointed out the progress it has made in addressing mental health issues related to sexual trauma, but many still take issue with the VA's failing in helping veterans get their deserved benefits.
The Department of Defense (DoD) acknowledges the severity of the MST issue despite a decrease in reported attacks between 2009 and 2010. MST remains a very serious issue in the military culture and one that must be addressed from a variety of angles, including prevention, prosecution and response.
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