[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 86 (Monday, June 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E895]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMBATING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY

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                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 14, 2013

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, for the past year, my office has worked 
with a young female soldier who was raped while serving her country. 
Active US Army, she says that when she reported the crime, she was 
threatened and harassed.
   The military's solution was to direct her assailant to stay away 
from her, which he ignored.
   This woman acted bravely by reporting the assault--only about 10 
percent of victims do--and the military failed her.
   She is now AWOL: lost, afraid, without pay, without prospects--and 
without her justice. Her situation is far too common. And it's 
unacceptable.
   This year's National Defense Authorization includes important 
reforms. It strips commanders of their authority to change or dismiss 
convictions and it expands legal assistance to victims.
   The military must fully implement these changes and do all it can to 
ensure that its culture no longer tolerates sexual violence. The 
military must prosecute sexual abuse offenders and ensure victims have 
protection and support and the assurance of justice that all victims 
deserve.
   End this shame on America and ensure that women ``can be all they 
can be'' in the U.S. military, without discrimination, harassment or 
fear of sexual assault.

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