On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin endorsed a proposed change in the military justice system that would remove the authority to prosecute sexual assault cases from the chain of command and instead transfer that authority to independent military lawyers. Under the new recommendations, military commanders would no longer handle the prosecution of sexual assault cases. […]
The Senate Blocked the Military Justice Improvement Act Again
The Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA), championed by Senator Kirsten Gilibrand (D-NY), was once again blocked by the Senate in a vote yesterday.
Senator Gillibrand Continues Fight for Military Justice Improvement Act
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand yesterday filed the Military Justice Improvement Act as an amendment to the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act.
Report Released by Sen. Gillibrand Shows Underreporting of Military Sexual Assault
A new report released by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) this morning shows the Department of Defense (DOD) is grossly under-reporting the number of sexual assault crimes in the US military, particularly those occurring on military bases.
New Bill Would Create a Registry of Military Sex Offenders
Due to loopholes in the system, many convicted sex offenders in the military are not registered sex offenders once they exit the military.
Senate Blocks Military Sexual Assault Legislation
The Senate denied a vote for the Military Justice Improvement Act yesterday, blocking the act for the second time this year.
Pentagon Report Shows Continued Scourge of Military Sexual Assault
According to the the Pentagon report, there were about 19,000 cases of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact last year – over 50 cases a day. Of those who do report, nearly two-thirds reported that they faced retaliation.
UN Committee Reviews US on Police Brutality and Gender-Based Violence
Police brutality, military sexual assault, and gender-based violence in the US came under scrutiny this week.
New California Law Takes Military Sexual Assault Cases Out of the Chain of Command
The law also now requires the California Military Department to report annually to the state government on sexual assault incidences and prevention plans.
Veterans Groups File Lawsuit Alleging Discrimination Against Military Sexual Assault Survivors
The lawsuit alleges that the VA makes military sexual assault survivors who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) go through more procedural hurdles than other veterans to receive disability benefits.
Senate Passes Limited Military Sexual Assault Reform Bill
Only a few days after the Senate blocked the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA), it unanimously approved a bill that proposes several different reforms to combat sexual assault in the military.
Senate Blocks Military Justice Improvement Act
“I always hoped we could do the right thing here – and deliver a military justice system that is free from bias and conflict of interest – a military justice system that is worthy of the brave men and women who fight for us.”
Military Sexual Assault Bill Expected To Come To Vote This Week
“The men and women of our military deserve better,” Gillibrand told The Washington Post.
President Obama Signs Defense Bill Expanding Efforts to Prevent Military Sexual Assault
Late last week, President Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act of 2014 (NDAA), which expands efforts to prevent sexual assault and strengthens protections for victims.
Obama Calls for Review on Military Sexual Assault One Year From Now
On Dec. 1, 2014, defense and military leaders will be required to issue a full-scale report on progress made to eradicate military sexual assault, President Obama announced Friday.
Fort Hood Soldiers Recruited for Prostitution Ring During Sexual Assault Program
Female soldiers testified on Monday that they were recruited for a prostitution ring organized by a sergeant at Fort Hood in Texas.
Senate Fails to Vote on Military Sexual Assault Bill
After hours of debate, the Senate failed to vote yesterday on the Military Justice Improvement Act.
Uncategorized
Military Sexual Assault Victims Barred from Essential Disability Benefits
According to the report, the VA scrutinizes claims made by sexual assault victims more intently, even when they provide the kind of documentation their counterparts are not required to.
Lawmakers Push for Changes in US Military Justice System
MJIA attempts to erase the systemic obstacles that victims of sexual assault in the military face due to the “clear bias and inherent conflicts of interest posed by the military chain of command’s current sole decision-making power over whether cases move forward to a trial.”
Uncategorized
Naval Academy Rape Hearing Expected to End Today
The case takes place as the military faces increased pressure to improve the way it deals with sexual harassment and assault.
