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[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 1510 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

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 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
Whereas September 25, 2024, is observed as ``Military Sexual Trauma Awareness 
        Day'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) expresses support for ``Military Sexual Trauma 
        Awareness Day'';
            (2) affirms its commitment to supporting military sexual 
        trauma survivors and acknowledges the importance of providing 
        them with the highest quality care and support;
            (3) acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual 
        trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and 
        reaffirms its dedication to improving support systems for 
        military sexual trauma survivors and their families;
            (4) encourages the Department of Defense and Department of 
        Veterans Affairs to continue efforts to expand access to 
        military sexual trauma-related services, ensuring these 
        services are well-publicized and accessible to all veterans;
            (5) promotes transparency and accountability in the 
        Department of Defense's and the Department of Veterans Affairs' 
        handling of military sexual trauma cases to build trust and 
        ensure that survivors receive the support they need without 
        fear of retaliation or discrimination; and
            (6) underscores its commitment to working with the 
        Department of Defense to address root problems and causes of 
        military sexual trauma with the goal of eradicating it.
                                 <all>
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