HARMAN REACTS TO NEW DOD REPORT ON SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY

Says “While the report shows modest improvement, we’re far from
‘Mission Accomplished’”

Washington, D.C. -- Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-CA), Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Intelligence & Terrorism Risk Assessment, issued the following statement in response to the Pentagon Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office’s FY 2008 report:

“While the report shows modest improvement, we’re far from ‘Mission Accomplished.’  Military women are more likely to be raped by a fellow soldier than killed by enemy fire in Iraq,” said Harman.  “Secretary Gates and Admiral Mullen are engaged but now DOD needs to ‘walk the walk.’  This means better training, vigorous prosecution, and retooling a military culture that for too long has let boys be boys.”

The new report, released today, reveals that total reports of military rape and sexual assault have gone up 8% since last year.  In combat zones specifically, the jump has been 17%.  While this indicates improved victim confidence in coming forward to report offenders, the fundamental reality remains unchanged:  rape and sexual violence are still rampant in the military.  

Link to report:
http://www.sapr.mil/contents/ResourcesReports/AnnualReports/DoD_FY08_Annual_Report.pdf

Harman and Rep. Mike Turner (R-OH) recently reintroduced H.Con.Res.28, which calls on the Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent rape and sexual assault in the military.  They first introduced this legislation in the 110th Congress, which former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) introduced as companion legislation in the Senate. 

###