H.R. 1593, otherwise known as the S.T.O.P. Act (Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act) was introduced to Congress by Jackie Speier (D-CA) in April of 2013. Currently, the status of H.R. Act is : “Referred to the Subcomitee on Military Personnel.” (Congress.gov), and has not been made law. This is appalling.
The S.T.O.P. Act would provide justice for victims. The specifics of the Act state that, if passed, it would require the establishment of “a Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Council, composed mainly of civilians, as an independent entity from the chain of command of the Department of Defense (DOD).” (Congress.gov). This would help serve a great purpose where justice is concerned.
According to Twice Betrayed: Bringing Justice to the U.S. Military’s Sexual Assault Problem by Lindsay Rosenthal and Lawrence Korb: “All too often, victims are forced out of the military as a means of retaliation for reporting the crimes committed against them.” (p7)
We have men and women who’ve suffered unimaginable acts of sexual assault/rape. These men and women serve and protect our country. What have they done wrong? What have they done to deserve the actions committed against them?
Absolutely nothing.
This needs to change — and it can with your help and support.
