WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME), a member of the Armed Services Committee, recently cosponsored a bill introduced by Senators Murray (D-WA) and Ayotte (R-NH) that aims to reduce sexual assaults within the military, assist victims of the crime, and bring the assailants to justice. The Combating Military Sexual Assault (MSA)Act of 2013 would address a number of gaps within current law and policy and build upon the steps taken by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) in recent years.

According to DoD estimates, there were approximately 19,000 cases of military sexual assault in 2011 alone. Of these, 3,192 were reported, leaving thousands of victims to face the aftermath alone as their assailants escape justice. That number rose to 26,000 cases in 2012 with less than 3,400 of those being reported.

“Our courageous servicemen and women form the very core of our military’s strength. Their character and bravery is representative of America’s finest qualities, but when some sadly fail to meet that longstanding standard of excellence by committing sexual assault, we must ensure that justice is appropriately served and that the victim is provided with the support and care they rightfully deserve,” Senator King said. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this crucial piece of legislation, which will help to combat sexual assault within our ranks by strengthening existing policies and which will empower victims with improved support services so that we can put an end to these deplorable acts.”

The Combating MSA Act would:

• Provide victims of sexual assault within Special Victims’ Counsel (SVC), a military lawyer who will assist sexual assault victims throughout the process

• Enhance the responsibilities and authority of DoD’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Office so that it can better oversee efforts to combat MSA across the Armed Forces and regularly track and report on a range of MSA statistics, including assault rate, number of cases brought to trial, and compliance with appropriate laws and regulations within each of the individual services

• Refer cases to the general court martial level when sexual assault charges are filed or to the next superior competent authority when there is a conflict of interest in the immediate chain of command

• Bar sexual contact between instructors and trainees during and within 30 days of completing basic training or its equivalent

• Ensure that Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC) are available to members of the National Guard and Reserve at all times, regardless of whether they are operating under Title 10 or Title 32 authority.

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