Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013

Bill: 113-s-871
Sponsor: Sen. Murray, Patty [D-WA]
Introduced: 2013-05-07 in the Senate
Policy area: Armed Forces and National Security
Subjects: Assault and harassment offenses
Crime prevention
Crime victims
Crimes against women
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Criminal justice information and records
Department of Defense
Executive agency funding and structure
Lawyers and legal services
Military education and training
Military law
Military personnel and dependents
National Guard and reserves
Sex offenses

Summary:
action_date: 2013-05-07
text: 
Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013 - Directs each military department Secretary to implement a program providing a Special Victims' Counsel (Counsel) to a victim of a sexual assault committed by a member of the Armed Forces (member). Outlines Counsel qualifications and duties, including providing advice and assistance in connection with criminal and civil legal matters related to the assault.
 
Allows a member or member dependent who is a victim of an assault by another member to receive Counsel assistance. Requires such victim to be informed of the availability of such assistance at the time the victim originally seeks assistance from a sexual response coordinator or sexual assault victim advocate, a military criminal investigator, a victim/witness liaison, a trial counsel, health care providers, or any other personnel designated by the Secretary concerned. Makes such assistance available regardless of whether the victim elects unrestricted or restricted (confidential) reporting of the incident.
 
Provides additional duties of the Director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office within the Department of Defense (DOD), including: (1) providing guidance and assistance for the military departments in addressing matters relating to sexual assault prevention and response, (2) acting as liaison between DOD and other federal and state agencies on sexual assault prevention and response programs, and (3) overseeing development of program guidance and joint planning objectives in support of such program. Requires the Director to also collect and maintain data of the military departments concerning sexual assault prevention and response.
 
Amends the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) to provide for disposition and other requirements in connection with charges of rape or sexual assault, and to provide for victims' rights under such actions (including the right to a Counsel).
 
Adds new provisions to the UCMJ concerning the commission of a sexual act upon, or abusive sexual contact with, a member by a military instructor.
 
Amends the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 to require the National Guard of each state and territory to ensure that a sexual assault response coordinator is available at all times to its members.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-06-04
text: Committee on Armed Services. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 113-320.
action_date: 2013-05-07
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. (text of measure as introduced: CR S3162-3163)
action_date: 2013-05-07
text: Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S3161-3162)
action_date: 2013-05-07
text: Introduced in Senate