IV 

118TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. RES. 1510 

Expressing support for ‘‘Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day’’. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 

Ms. HOULAHAN (for herself, Mr. BACON, Ms. BROWNLEY, Ms. SHERRILL, 

Mrs. KIM of California, Ms. PINGREE, and Ms. BUDZINSKI) submitted 

the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed 

Services, and in addition to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, for a 

period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 

consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing support for ‘‘Military Sexual Trauma Awareness 

Day’’. 

Whereas military sexual trauma (hereinafter, ‘‘MST’’) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service; 

Whereas MST affects both women and men in the Armed 

Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 

3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service 

as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National 

Guard; 

Whereas MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or 

mental health condition, and can result in significant and 


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•HRES 1510 IH 

long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened 

risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (hereinafter, 

‘‘PTSD’’), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and 

physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide; 

Whereas MST survivors who identify as members of 

marginalized and minority groups may face additional 

stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care 

which may compound the trauma and hinder their access 

to necessary support; 

Whereas MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking 

care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress 

and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent 

need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate 

and respectful treatment; 

Whereas MST not only affects the individual but also impacts 

their families, friends, and overall military readiness, as 

the trauma can strain relationships and affect the survivor’s ability to perform effectively within the military 

setting; 

Whereas there is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support 

that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and 

the broader military community; 

Whereas there is an urgent need for the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to prevent MST by implementing comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of 

zero tolerance, and strengthening reporting and support 

mechanisms to protect all members and ensure a safer 

military environment; and 


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•HRES 1510 IH 

Whereas September 25, 2024, is observed as ‘‘Military Sexual 

Trauma Awareness Day’’: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) expresses support for ‘‘Military Sexual 

3 Trauma Awareness Day’’; 

4 (2) affirms its commitment to supporting mili5 tary sexual trauma survivors and acknowledges the 

6 importance of providing them with the highest qual7 ity care and support; 

8 (3) acknowledges the profound impact of mili9 tary sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma 

10 surrounding it, and reaffirms its dedication to im11 proving support systems for military sexual trauma 

12 survivors and their families; 

13 (4) encourages the Department of Defense and 

14 Department of Veterans Affairs to continue efforts 

15 to expand access to military sexual trauma-related 

16 services, ensuring these services are well-publicized 

17 and accessible to all veterans; 

18 (5) promotes transparency and accountability in 

19 the Department of Defense’s and the Department of 

20 Veterans Affairs’ handling of military sexual trauma 

21 cases to build trust and ensure that survivors receive 

22 the support they need without fear of retaliation or 

23 discrimination; and 


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•HRES 1510 IH 

1 (6) underscores its commitment to working with 

2 the Department of Defense to address root problems 

3 and causes of military sexual trauma with the goal 

4 of eradicating it. 

Æ 


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