WASHINGTON, D.C. –Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) marked September 25 as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day by reintroducing a bipartisan resolution underscoring the urgent need to confront the issue of military sexual trauma (MST), which affects both women and men within the Armed Forces. Houlahan was joined by seven of her colleagues in reintroducing H.Res.1510: Representatives Young Kim (R-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Chellie Pingree D-ME), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) and Becca Balint (D-VT).

Statistics indicate that approximately one in three women and one in 50 men are impacted by sexual trauma while serving. Military sexual trauma encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. It can result in increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, physical health issues and an increased risk of suicide. It affects not only the servicemember but overall military readiness, and the resolution encourages the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to address the root causes of military sexual trauma and continue efforts to expand access to treatment services for active duty servicemembers and veterans.

“Sexual assault has no place in our armed forces. The burden of fear — of assault, harassment, or exploitation — should never be a part of military service. We must work together to create an atmosphere where all members can serve without this dread," said Rep. Houlahan. "As a veteran who served in the military in the 1990s, I experienced firsthand the unique challenges many servicewomen face. I care deeply about this issue because everyone who wears a uniform deserves to serve in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Bringing awareness is important, but this is the first step. We still have lots of work left to do."   

“When I took on the assignment of Commander for Ramstein Air Base in Germany in 2008, I knew I would have to tackle head-on the high number of sexual assault allegations at the base. I immediately instituted a program to address the crimes, and it was later ranked by the Air Force as the number one sexual assault response program,” said Rep. Bacon. “We must continue to work with the Department of Defense and the VA to make sure that sexual-trauma related services are well-publicized and accessible. This legislation will help victims become survivors.”

“The fact that 33% of women veterans—and 1 in 50 men—report having experienced sexual trauma while on duty is absolutely inexcusable, and it’s long past time that Congress did its part to address this ongoing crisis,” said Rep. Pingree. “Anyone who serves our country deserves to do so without fear of harassment, unwanted advances, or physical abuse of any kind. This resolution represents a critical step towards addressing the scourge of military sexual trauma and ensuring that the voices of survivors will always be heard—no matter their gender, identity, or branch of service.” 

“Far too many of our servicemembers have endured the pain of military sexual trauma. Survivors deserve compassion, respect, and certainty that the system will be there for them — not retraumatize them,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I’m proud to join Rep. Chrissy Houlahan in recognizing Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day and ensuring that every survivor receives the care and support they’ve earned. I will always have the backs of our veterans who have had ours.”

“Having served in the Navy and on the House Armed Services Committee, I have seen the challenges survivors of military sexual trauma face and how important it is to address this issue head on,” said Rep. Mikie Sherrill. “This resolution is a crucial step toward supporting survivors of military sexual trauma and their families. We must continue working tirelessly to reduce the stigma for reporting sexual assault and ensure every survivor has timely and compassionate access to the care they deserve.” 

“No member of our military should ever have to fear military sexual trauma during their service, yet far too many servicemembers return home carrying these invisible wounds,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “MST Awareness Day is an opportunity to uplift survivors’ stories and break the stigma surrounding this issue. I’m proud to have passed my Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act to improve the reporting process for survivors, and I will continue working to not only prevent re-traumatization but prevent MST altogether."

“Too many of our servicemembers and veterans carry the lasting wounds of Military Sexual Trauma, and they deserve our full commitment to their healing and recovery,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “Confronting this crisis is urgent, because everyone who wears our nation’s uniform should be able to serve in an environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive. Awareness is only the first step. We must also ensure survivors have timely, comprehensive, and culturally competent care, and we must ensure MST Coordinators are fully empowered to provide it. Our military is only as strong as those who serve, and just as they protect us, we must do everything in our power to protect them. No survivor should ever face obstacles to healing, and we owe it to every survivor to ensure they are never left behind.”

“There were more than 8,000 reported sexual assaults involving members of the military in both 2024 and 2023. This brings serious harm to our military members, and we cannot accept this as normal,” said Rep. Balint. “I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution in support of Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day. This represents a commitment to supporting military sexual trauma survivors, acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, and breaks the stigma so survivors can get the care they need.”

“We owe it to every patriot who serves in America’s Armed Forces to create the conditions for military service without fear of abuse of any kind,” said Congresswoman Goodlander. “That’s why I am proud to be part of this bipartisan coalition in Congress committed to tackling the scourge of military sexual trauma head on and delivering the care and justice that every survivor of this scourge needs and deserves.”

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