Military Sexual Assault: Chronology of Activity in the 113th-114th Congresses and Related Resources
Congressional research reportMay 16, 2019
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology of
Activity in the 113th-114th Congresses and
Related Resources
Barbara Salazar Torreon
Information Research Specialist
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
Research Librarian
Updated May 16, 2019
Congressional Research Service
7-....
www.crs.gov
R43168
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Summary
This report focuses on previous activity in Congress regarding high profile incidents of sexual
assault in the military during the summer 2013 through 2016. Included are separate sections on
the official responses related to these incidents by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Obama
Administration, and Congress including legislation during the 113th (2013-2014) Congress and
114th Congress (2015-2016). The last section is a resource guide for sources in this report and
related materials on sexual assault and prevention during this period. This report will not be
updated and supersedes CRS Report R43168, Military Sexual Assault: Chronology of Activity in
Congress and Related Resources.
For current information regarding Congress and issues on sexual assault in the military, see CRS
Report R44944, Military Sexual Assault: A Framework for Congressional Oversight, by Kristy N.
Kamarck and Barbara Salazar Torreon. For legislative initiatives in the 115th Congress, see CRS
Report R44923, FY2018 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues,
by Kristy N. Kamarck, Lawrence Kapp, and Barbara Salazar Torreon and CRS Report R45343,
FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues, by Bryce H. P.
Mendez et al.
Congressional Research Service
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Actions by Department of Defense and the Obama Administration ............................................... 1
Congressional Action and Legislation ............................................................................................. 9
113th Congress (2013-2014) ...................................................................................................... 9
114th Congress (2015-2016) .................................................................................................... 17
Selected Resources ........................................................................................................................ 22
Government Sources ............................................................................................................... 22
Department of Defense ..................................................................................................... 22
Government Accountability Office (GAO)....................................................................... 22
Selected Articles, Studies and Reports.............................................................................. 23
Scholarly Journals, Reports and Studies (non-government) ............................................. 28
House and Senate Hearings .............................................................................................. 29
House and Senate Reports ................................................................................................ 32
Tables
Table 1. Key Bills in the 113th Congress (2013-2014) .................................................................. 19
Table 2. Key Bills in the 114th Congress (2015-2016) ................................................................. 20
Contacts
Author Contact Information .......................................................................................................... 33
Congressional Research Service
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Introduction
Beginning the summer 2013 through 2016, there were numerous reports in the media on sexual
assault incidents in the U.S. armed services. In many cases, such reports were followed by
questions on what actions were taken by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Obama
Administration, and Congress to address the issue. This report lists a comprehensive chronology
of official activities in response to incidents of military sexual assault, as well as legislative action
on the issue. The report is divided into three sections: the DOD and the Obama Administration’s
actions, congressional action, and legislation in the 113th (2013-2014) and 114th (2015-2016)
Congresses. Also included is a resources section with related articles, hearings, and reports.
Information in this report was compiled from the official government websites of DOD, the
Obama White House and Congress.gov for historical background and will not be updated.
Actions by Department of Defense and the Obama
Administration
June 13, 2012 – DOD announced Army Major General Gary S. Patton as the new director of the
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).1
September 25, 2012 – As part of the DOD’s efforts to confront the crime of sexual assault in the
military, then Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced improvements to prospective
commander and senior enlisted training and a review of the initial military training environment
in every service.2
December 21, 2012 – DOD released key findings from the Academic Program Year (APY) 20112012 Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the United States Military Service
Academies.3 According to this report, the overall prevalence rate of unwanted sexual contact
increased in all three military academies. From 2011 to 2012, the Air Force Academy in Colorado
showed the largest increase in reported sexual assaults from 33 to 52 incidents. Sexual assaults at
the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, increased from 11 to 15, and were up at the U.S. Military
Academy in West Point, NY, from 10 to 13.4
2013
January 18, 2013 – DOD announced the release of the 2012 Workplace and Gender Relations
Survey of Reserve Component Members. This report included rates of unwanted sexual contact,
unwanted gender-related behaviors (i.e., sexual harassment and sexist behavior), and gender
1 “New Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Director Named,” DOD News, June 13, 2012, at
http://archive.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15366
2 “Department of Defense Expands Sexual Assault Prevention Efforts,” DOD News, September 25, 2012, at
http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15585. See also the full text of the Evaluation of PreCommand Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Training Report and Secretary Panetta’s directives at
http://www.sapr.mil/public/docs/news/PreCommand_Training_Evaluation_Final_Report.pdf
3 “DOD Evaluates Sexual Harassment and Prevention Response Efforts at Military Academies,” DOD News,
December 21, 2012, at http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15756
4 “Defense Department Press Briefing via Teleconference with Maj. Gen Patton and Lt. Col. Galbreath on the Annual
Military Academy Sexual Assault Report,” DOD News Transcript, December 21, 2012, at
http://www.ncdsv.org/images/DOD_Press-briefing-via-teleconf-on-the-annual-military-academy-SA-report_12-212013.pdf
Congressional Research Service
1
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
discriminatory behaviors and sex discrimination reported by survey respondents during the past
12 months.
March 7, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, in a letter responding to Members of Congress,
wrote that an internal review was being conducted of a decision by a senior Air Force
commander, Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin, to overturn the sexual assault conviction of an Air Force
fighter pilot, Lt. Col. James Wilkerson. Colonel Wilkerson was found guilty in November 2012 of
aggravated sexual assault and was sentenced to one year in military prison. Lt. General Franklin’s
decision to overturn the findings of the court-martial freed Colonel Wilkerson, and allowed him
to be reinstated in the Air Force. In his letter, Hagel said that while General Franklin’s decision
could not be overturned, he had asked Pentagon lawyers and the Secretary of the Air Force to
review the way in which General Franklin decided the case. He also said he wanted a review of
whether the military should change the way it handles sexual assault cases.
April 2, 2013 – Secretary Chuck Hagel stated in a message to all DOD personnel on Sexual
Assault Awareness and Prevention Month that, “Together, we must work every day to instill a
climate that does not tolerate or ignore sexist behavior, sexual harassment, or sexual assault.
These have no place in the United States military and violate everything we stand for and the
values we defend.”5
April 8, 2013 – Secretary Hagel announced that DOD’s Office of General Counsel will review
Article 60 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) after an Air Force officer’s courtmartial conviction for sexual assault was dismissed using the authority provided by Article 60.6
May 6, 2013 – The Office of the Secretary of Defense released a 24-page memorandum7 from
Secretary Hagel to all heads of the military services regarding DOD’s 2013 Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response Strategy, and the release of the Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the
Military 2012 (2 volumes).8 According to this report, in FY2012 (October 1, 2011, through
September 30, 2012), the number of sexual assaults reported by members of the military rose 6%
to 3,374. An anonymous survey of military personnel showed the number of service members
who had experienced unwanted sexual contact could be as many as 26,000 but most never
reported the incidents. That number is an increase over the 19,000 estimated assaults in 2011.
These reports involved offenses ranging from abusive sexual contact to rape.9
May 7, 2013 – In a DOD press briefing, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Major General Gary
Patton, director of SAPRO, announced new series of actions to further DOD’s sexual assault and
prevention efforts. Hagel directed service chiefs to develop methods to hold all military
5 “Message to the Department of Defense from Secretary Chuck Hagel on Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention
Month,” DOD News Release, April 2, 2013 at http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15903
6 “Statement from Secretary Hagel on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response,” DOD News Release, April 8, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=15917
7 Secretary Hagel’s Memorandum, “Sexual Assault Prevention and Response,” May 6, 2013, at
http://www.sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/SecDef_SAPR_Memo_Strategy_Atch_06052013.pdf
8 Department of Defense, Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military Fiscal Year 2012, at Volume I
http://sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/FY12_DoD_SAPRO_Annual_Report_on_Sexual_Assault-VOLUME_ONE.pdf
Volume II http://sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/FY12_DoD_SAPRO_Annual_Report_on_Sexual_AssaultVOLUME_TWO.pdf
9 Lolita C. Baldor and Donna Cassata, “Most Military Sexual Assault Cases Go Unreported,” Military.com, May 8,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/05/08/most-military-sexual-assault-cases-go-unreported.html
Congressional Research Service
2
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
commanders accountable for establishing command climates of dignity and respect in
incorporating sexual assault prevention and victim care principles in their commands.10
May 7, 2013 – DOD announced the establishment of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual
Assault Crimes Panel consisting of nine selected appointees. Secretary of Defense Hagel
appointed five members to serve on the response systems panel, who joined four members
appointed by the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and
the chairman and ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee.11
May 14, 2013 – The Army announced that an Army Sergeant First Class assigned to III Corps,
Fort Hood, TX, was under investigation for pandering, abusive sexual contact, assault, and
maltreatment of subordinates.12
May 15, 2013 – Returning from NATO meetings in Brussels, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff, Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, told reporters that sexual assault in the Armed Forces
constitutes a crisis in the military. He further stated that “We’re losing the confidence of the
women who serve that we can solve this problem, and that’s a crisis.”13
May 16, 2013 – At the White House, President Obama met with senior military leaders on the
issue of sexual assault in the U.S. Armed Forces. The President stated that not only is it “shameful
and disgraceful” but also “dangerous to our national security.”14
May 17, 2013 – During a press briefing, Defense Secretary Hagel and Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin Dempsey discussed their meeting with President Obama, Vice
President Biden, and senior enlisted and officer leadership in the U.S. military. Dempsey told the
Armed Forces Press Service that he believes that the long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may be
factors in the growing incidents of sexual assault. He also stated that: “If a perpetrator shows up
at a court-martial with a rack of ribbons and has four deployments and a Purple Heart, there is
certainly a risk that we might be a little too forgiving of that particular crime.”15
May 17, 2013 – In an interview, Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Mark Walsh, said that sexual
assaults in his branch of the military typically involve alcohol use and can be traced to a lack of
respect for women. “We have a problem with respect for women that leads to many of the
situations that result in sexual assault in our Air Force,” he told reporters in his Pentagon office.16
Walsh further stated that combatting the crisis is his top priority and that he reviews every
reported case of sexual assault.
10 “Department of Defense Press Briefing with Secretary Hagel and Maj. Gen. Patton on the Department of Defense
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Strategy from the Pentagon,” DOD Transcript, May 7, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=5233
11 “DOD Announces Establishment of the Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel,” DOD News
Release, May 7, 2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=15983
12 “Army Announces Investigation at Fort Hood, Texas,” DOD News Release, May 14, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16005
13 Jim Garamone, “Dempsey: Sexual Assault Constitutes Crisis in Military,” American Forces Press Service, May 15,
2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120054
14 “Remarks by the President After Meeting on Sexual Assault in the Military,” White House Press Office, May 15,
2013, at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/05/16/remarks-president-after-meeting-sexualassault-military
15 “Department of Defense News Briefing with Secretary Hagel and Gen. Dempsey from the Pentagon,” DOD
Transcripts, May 17, 2013 at http://archive.defense.gov/transcripts/transcript.aspx?transcriptid=5241
16 Robert Burns and Lolita C. Baldor, “General: Sex Abuse Trend Linked to Respect Issue,” Associated Press, May 17,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/05/17/general-sex-abuse-trend-linked-to-respect-issue.html
Congressional Research Service
3
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
May 22, 2013 – The Pentagon announced that DOD’s sexual assault prevention staff would be
exempt from furloughs. According to Pentagon spokeswoman, Cynthia O. Smith, “The full-time
civilians working these programs and implementing policies will not be furloughed. This will
ensure responsive victim care and ensure all the programs recently directed by Secretary Hagel
are implemented swiftly and efficiently.”17
May 24, 2013 – President Obama addressed graduates of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis,
MD, and noted in his commencement speech that the misconduct of some in the military can
endanger U.S. forces and undermine U.S. efforts to achieve security and peace worldwide. He
further stated that those who commit sexual assault are not only committing a crime, they also
“threaten the trust and discipline that make our military strong.”18
May 25, 2013 – In a commencement speech at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY,
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel told graduates that they must be the generation of leaders that
will commit to building a culture of respect for every member of the military. He stated that
sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military “are a profound betrayal of sacred oaths and
sacred trusts.” He also quoted President Obama’s remarks at the Naval Academy when he said,
“these crimes have no place in the greatest military on earth.”19
May 30, 2013 – Pentagon officials reaffirmed DOD’s commitment to fighting sexual assault by
launching the Safe HelpRoom at http://SafeHelpline.org, a Sexual Assault Support Service for the
DOD community. This new service allows victims to participate in moderated group chat sessions
to connect with and support one another in a secure online environment. The Safe HelpRoom is
in response to a need for peer support services identified by users of DOD’s Safe Helpline for
sexual assault victims.20
June 6, 2013 – In a speech at the 2013 Joint Women’s Leadership Symposium, Navy Adm. James
A. Winnefeld Jr., vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said plans to combat and eliminate
sexual assault include a greater investment in specially trained sexual assault investigators and a
push for more psychological, medical, and legal assistance for victims.21 The vice chairman also
said officials will examine the scientific roots of behavioral factors associated with potential
predators, which will assist sexual assault prevention efforts.22
June 7, 2013 – The Pentagon released a statement that Maj. Gen. Michael T. Harrison was
suspended of his duties as the Commanding General of United States Army Japan and I Corps for
failing in his duties as a commander to report or investigate an allegation of sexual assault.23
17 Chris Carroll, “Hagel: No Furloughs for Sexual Assault Prevention Staff,” Stars and Stripes, May 22, 2013, at
http://www.stripes.com/hagel-no-furloughs-for-sexual-assault-prevention-staff-1.222114
18 “Remarks by the President at the United States Naval Academy Commencement,” White House Press Office, May
24, 2013, at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/05/24/remarks-president-united-states-naval-academycommencement
19 “United States Military Academy Commencement,” As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, West Point,
NY, Saturday, May 25, 2013, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs), May 25, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/speeches/speech.aspx?speechid=1782
20 Terri Moon Cronk, “Officials Reaffirm DOD’s Commitment to Fighting Sexual Assault,” American Forces Press
Service, May 30, 2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120176
21 Amaani Lyle, “Vice Chairman Lauds Women as Teammates, Decries Sexual Assault,” American Forces Press
Service, June 12, 2013 at http://www.militarynews.com/norfolk-navy-flagship/news/quarterdeck/vice-chairman-laudswomen-as-teammates-decries-sexual-assault/article_e3e9a895-ce9c-5c22-ba9d-9013d71e4eeb.html
22 Ibid.
23 “Army Suspends Major General,” DOD News Release, June 7, 2013, at
Congressional Research Service
4
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
June 7, 2013 – Air Force officials announced Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward has been
assigned to direct the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to replace Lt.
Col. Jeffrey Krusinski, the former chief of the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Program. He was arrested and charged by Arlington County, VA, police for allegedly being drunk
and groping a woman in a parking lot one mile from the Pentagon. In the previous year, Maj.
Gen. Woodward led the investigation of Air Force training in the wake of a sexual assault scandal
centered at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.24
June 27, 2013 – Defense Secretary Hagel met in person with the Sexual Assault Response
Systems Review Panel for the first time. According to the Pentagon, “the panel will conduct an
independent review and assessment of the systems used to investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate
crimes involving sexual assault and related offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice,
and will develop recommendations to improve the effectiveness of those systems.”25 DOD
established the panel in accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year 2013 (P.L. 112-239, Section 576 (a)). Previously, Hagel held a teleconference with
panel members.
July 3, 2013 – The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, Army Gen. Frank J. Grass, launched a
comprehensive campaign designed to assist National Guard units in combating sexual assault as
part of a military-wide effort to protect victims and eradicate the crime from the ranks.26
July 9, 2013 – DOD Inspector General (IG) released its report, Joint Warfighting and Readiness
Evaluation of the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations Sexual Assault Investigations.
The report evaluated the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations’ (MCIOs’) sexual assault
investigations in 2010 to determine whether they were adequately investigated. The report found
most MCIO investigations (89%) met or exceeded the investigative standards and returned only
cases with significant deficiencies (11%) to the MCIOs for corrective action.27
July 18, 2013 – The Air Force adopted two new measures to eliminate sexual assault from within
the ranks, including requiring mandatory discharge for airmen, officer or enlisted, who commit
sexual assault, and requiring the Air Force’s most senior commanders to review actions taken on
these cases.28 In addition, the Air Force Academy is reviewing the results of a survey on sexual
assault taken on June 24, 2013. Suggestions from survey respondents ranged from involving
faculty with character coaching to a complete revamping of how the Air Force Academy trains its
freshmen.29
http://archive.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16083.
24 Chris Carroll, “Woodward to Lead AF Sex Assault Prevention Program,” Stars and Stripes, June 7, 2013, at
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/woodward-to-lead-af-sex-assault-prevention-program-1.224957
25 DOD News, “Hagel Meets With Sexual Assault Response Systems Review Panel,” American Forces Press Service,
June 27, 2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120375
26 Air Force Maj. Gary Arasin, National Guard Bureau, “National Guard Bureau Campaign Targets Sexual Assault,”
DOD News, July 3, 2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120409
27 DOD Inspector General, Evaluation of the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations Sexual Assault
Investigations, July 9, 2013, at http://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/Article/1118941/evaluation-of-the-military-criminalinvestigative-organizations-sexual-assault/
28 Staff Sgt. David Salanitri, “Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Air Force Holding Airmen Accountable:
Mandatory Discharge for Sexual Assault,” Air Force, July 18, 2013, at http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/466618/holding-airmen-accountable-mandatory-discharge-for-sexual-assault/
29 Don Branum, “Academy Reviewing Results of Sexual Assault Survey,” Air Force Academy Public Affairs, July 18,
2013, at http://www.usafa.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/619604/academy-reviewing-results-of-sexual-assaultsurvey/
Congressional Research Service
5
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
July 18, 2013 – Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced additional resources for
investigators and a new initiative designed to enhance accountability and transparency across the
Navy. Mabus approved nearly $10 million to hire more than 50 additional Naval Criminal
Investigative Service (NCIS) Family and Sexual Violence Program personnel to shorten
investigation times, and directed the Navy and Marine Corps to regularly publish online the
results of each service’s courts- martial.30
July 18, 2013 – The Air Force announced that airmen who commit sexual assaults will be
discharged, and senior commanders must review actions taken on sexual assault cases under new
Air Force initiatives as of July 2, 2013.31
August 15, 2013 – Defense Secretary Hagel announced seven new anti-sexual assault initiatives
in a memo detailing “... absolute and sustained commitment to providing a safe environment in
which every service member and DOD civilian is free from the threat of sexual harassment and
assault,” he wrote in a statement. “Our success depends on a dynamic and responsive approach.
We, therefore, must continually assess and strive to improve our prevention and response
programs.”32
October 3, 2013 – Air Force Col. Alan R. Metzler, the deputy director for SAPRO, emphasized
that the first step to stopping sexual assault in the military is through prevention but when
prevention fails, new measures to improve victims’ confidence and combat underreporting were
needed. Metzler outlined the DOD Sexual Assault Advocate Certification Program (D-SAACP)
and the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database (DSAID), two initiatives set to improve the
advocacy services provided to victims of sexual assault.33
November 9, 2013 – Army Maj. Gen. Gary S. Patton, director of DOD’s SAPRO, reported on
DOD’s recent prevention and awareness successes before the Response Systems to Adult Sexual
Assault Crimes Panel.34 He testified that new DOD initiatives to combat sexual assault helped
create a 46% jump in victims reporting compared to the previous year.35
December 20, 2013 – President Obama instructed Defense Secretary Hagel and Chairman
Dempsey to continue their efforts to make substantial improvements with respect to sexual
30 Defense Media Activity - Navy, “SECNAV Announces New Initiatives to Help Combat Sexual Assault,” Story
Number: NNS130718-16, July 18, 2013, at http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=75447
31 Air Force Staff Sgt. David Salanitri, “Air Force Will Discharge Sexual Assault Offenders,” DOD News, July 18,
2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120474
32 Jim Garamone, “Hagel Announces New Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives,” DOD News, August 15, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120634; and “Secretary Hagel’s Statement on New Sexual
Assault Prevention and Response Measures,” Release No: 583-13, August 15, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=16205 ; and “ White House Issues Statement on Anti-Sexual
Assault Initiatives,” DOD News, August 15, 2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120636
33 Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr., “Defense Department Bolsters Victim Advocacy With New Initiatives,”
DOD News, October 3, 2013, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120903
34 The FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 112-239) mandated in Section 522 an independent panel to
make recommendations to Congress to stop military sexual assault in a report. See [archived] CRS Report R42651,
FY2013 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues, January 16, 2013, section on
“Independent Review and Assessment of Uniform Code of Military Justice and Judicial Proceeding of Sexual Assault
Cases,” on p. 12.
35 Terri Moon Cronk, “DOD Initiatives Battle Sexual Assault in Military,” DOD News, November 9, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121092
Congressional Research Service
6
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
assault prevention and response, including to the military justice system. He also directed that
they report back with a full-scale review of their progress, by December 1, 2014.36
2014
January 10, 2014 – Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey J. Snow, the new SAPRO chief announced the
release of the Annual Report to Congress on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military
Service Academies. The report covered the 2012-13 academic year, and found in 2013, reports of
sexual assault decreased at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York and the U.S. Air
Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The number of reported incidents went up at the
U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.37
January 30, 2014 – The independent Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel
accepted a subcommittee recommendation that senior military commanders retain authority for
referring these crimes to courts-martial.38
May 1, 2014 – DOD released the 2013 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military. The
report covered the period from Oct. 1, 2012, through Sept. 30, 2013, and revealed 5,061 reports
of sexual assault in the Defense Department, a 50 percent jump from the previous year. More than
70 percent of all cases that the military had jurisdiction resulted in criminal charges.39
July 17, 2014 – DOD collaborated with the Justice Department’s Office for Victims of Crime to
develop a curriculum that expands on the skills learned in initial sexual assault response
coordinator and sexual assault prevention and response victim advocate training.40
December 4, 2014 – Secretary Hagel released DOD’s Report to the President of the United States
on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response on its progress in addressing sexual assault in the
military, and announced four directives to further strengthen the department's prevention and
response program.41 According to this report, based on survey data, servicemembers experienced
fewer sexual assaults in FY2014 than in FY2012, an estimated 19,000, down from 26,000.42
2015
January 16, 2015 – Secretary Hagel at the Air Force Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Summit remarked that the fight to end sexual assault in the military must be “personal.” He cited
36 The White House Office of the Press Secretary, “Statement by the President on Eliminating Sexual Assault in the
Armed Forces,” December 30, 2013, at https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2013/12/20/statementpresident-eliminating-sexual-assault-armed-forces
37 Jim Garamone, “New Sexual Assault Prevention Chief Briefs on Academy Report,” January 10, 2014, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121462
38 Jim Garamone, “Panel: Commanders Should Keep Sex Assault Courts-martial Authority,” DOD News, January 30,
2014, at http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=121583
39 Nick Simeone, “Hagel: Numbers Reflect Victim Confidence in Reporting Assaults,” DOD News, May 1, 2014, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=122166
40 DOD, “DoD, DoJ Improve Sexual Assault Response Advocate Training,” DOD News, July 17, 2014, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=122694
41 DOD News, “Secretary Hagel Progress Report to the President on Sexual Assault in the Military, Announces Four
New Directives to Strengthen Department Response,” Release No: NR-603-14, December 4, 2014, at
http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=17063
42 See DOD, Report to the President of the United States on Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, November 25,
2014, at https://sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/FY14_POTUS/FY14_DoD_Report_to_POTUS_Full_Report.pdf
Congressional Research Service
7
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
“encouraging progress” over the last year, but acknowledged more can be done, notably in areas
such as social retaliation, which he said stems from the overall environment.43
February 11, 2015 – The annual report on sexual harassment and violence at the military service
academies estimated that overall rates of unwanted sexual contact at the military service
academies declined in Academic Program Year (APY) 2013-2014, decreased for both men and
women, indicating that fewer sexual assaults occurred at the academies in APY 13-14 than in
APY 11-12.44
February 19, 2015 – Health and criminal investigation experts spoke at the Army's Sexual
Harassment/Assault Response Program Summit on the underreporting of male victims of sexual
assault in the military due to factors such as shame and fear of being ostracized.45
March 26, 2015 – SAPRO head Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Snow monitored 50 initiatives put in
place by past Defense secretaries Leon Panetta and Chuck Hagel. According to Snow, the most
recent data, gathered last year, shows the past-year prevalence of sexual assault is down
significantly, Snow said. Estimates indicate there were 6,000 to 7,000 fewer sexual assaults in
2014 than in 2012.46
May 1, 2015 – According to the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study, “the percentage of active
duty women who experienced unwanted sexual contact over the past year declined from 6.1% in
2012 to an estimated 4.3% in 2014. For active duty men, the estimated prevalence rate dropped
from 1.2% in 2012 to 0.9% in 2014. Based on these rates, an estimated 18,900 service members
experienced unwanted sexual contact in 2014, down from around 26,000 in 2012.”47
May 22, 2015 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced Army Maj. Gen. Camille M. Nichols
will assume duties as director of SAPRO effective June 8, 2015.48
2016
January 8, 2016 – DOD announced the release of the Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and
Violence at the Military Service Academies for Academic Program Year 2014-2015. Data in the
report indicated the academies received 91 sexual assault reports during the academic year, an
increase of 32 reports over the previous year.49
43 Amaani Lyle, “Hagel: Fight to End Sexual Assault Must Be ‘Personal,’” DOD News, January 16, 2015 at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=123988
44 DOD News, “DoD Releases Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies,”
Release No: NR-050-15, February 11, 2015, at https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-ReleaseView/Article/605383/dod-releases-annual-report-on-sexual-harassment-and-violence-at-the-military-se/
45 Jim Garamone, “Experts: Males Also Are Victims of Sexual Assault,” DOD News, February 20, 2015, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128213
46 Jim Garamone, “Sexual Assault Prevention Chief Notes Progress, Need for More,” DOD News, March 26, 2015, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128471
47 Jim Garamone, “Independent Survey Shows Decline in Military Sexual Assaults,” DOD News, May 1, 2015, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128718; See also The RAND Military Workplace Study 2014 at
https://www.rand.org/nsrd/projects/rmws.html
48 DOD News, “Secretary of Defense Ash Carter Names New Director of DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response Office,” Release No: NR-186-15 May 22, 2015, at
http://archive.defense.gov/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=17290
49 Cheryl Pellerin, “More Sexual Assault Reports Show Growing Trust in System,” DOD News, January 8, 2016, at
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/641951/more-sexual-assault-reports-show-growing-trust-in-system/
Congressional Research Service
8
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
April 28, 2016 – Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced a sexual assault retaliation prevention
and response strategy aimed at how the department supports servicemembers who experience
retaliation, while aligning prevention and response efforts across the services.50
May 5, 2016 – The annual report of the Defense Department’s Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response Program indicated that DOD’s efforts are having an impact. In FY2015, service
members made 6,083 reports of sexual assault – the same rate as the previous fiscal year, with
four in 1,000 servicemembers reporting sexual assault despite a smaller active force size.51 In
addition, 21 percent of those making restricted reports in fiscal 2015 chose to convert to
unrestricted reports, enabling them to participate in the military justice process.
September 19, 2016 – The Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, hosted an all-day training event to
strengthen how military and civilian communities work together to support servicemembers who
report sexual assault in a joint program between DOD and the Justice Department.52
October 19, 2016 – DOD released the 2016 Military Investigation and Justice Experience Survey
that allowed servicemembers who have experienced sexual assault and elected to participate in
the military justice process the opportunity to provide DOD with direct feedback on their
experiences; and to improve the services and support servicemembers reporting sexual assault.53
December 15, 2016 – Defense Department officials announced the release of the “DOD Plan to
Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault of Military Men,” designed to enhance outreach to
military men and increase efforts to help them recover.54
Congressional Action and Legislation
The following information was compiled using Congress.gov, Congressional Quarterly
(CQ.com), House.gov, Senate.gov, and Roll Call. See the section “Resources” for a list of
congressional hearings, reports and other documents.
113th Congress (2013-2014)
January 23, 2013 – The House Armed Services Committee held a hearing on sexual misconduct
at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX.
January 25, 2013 – H.R. 430, Protect Our Military Trainees Act, was introduced. This legislation
would have amended the Uniform Code of Military Justice to protect new members of the Armed
Forces who are undergoing basic training from the sexual advances of the members of the Armed
50 Lisa Ferdinando, “Carter Announces Sexual Assault Retaliation Prevention Strategy,” DOD News, April 28, 2016, at
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/745585/carter-announces-sexual-assault-retaliation-prevention-strategy/
51 Cheryl Pellerin, “Program Director: Military Sexual Assault Efforts Having Impact, But Hurdles Remain,” DOD
News, May 5, 2016, at https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/752797/program-director-military-sexual-assaultefforts-having-impact-but-hurdles-rema/
52 Karen Parrish, “Naval Academy Hosts All-Day Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention Training,” DOD News,
September 26, 2016, at https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/955911/naval-academy-hosts-all-day-sexualassault-awareness-prevention-training/
53 DOD News, “DoD Releases 2016 Military Investigation and Justice Experience Survey,” SAPRO News Release,
October 19, 2016, at https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/979438/dod-releases-2016-military-investigationand-justice-experience-survey/
54 Amaani Lyle, “DoD Unveils Plan to Broaden Sexual Assault Support to Men,” DOD News, December 15, 2016, at
https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1030795/dod-unveils-plan-to-broaden-sexual-assault-support-to-men/
Congressional Research Service
9
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Forces responsible for their instruction. It also requires that violators be punished as a courtmartial may direct.
March 5, 2013 – H.R. 975, the Servicemember Mental Health Review Act, was introduced. This
bill would have amended Title 10, United States Code, to extend the duration of the Physical
Disability Board of Review and to the expand the authority of such Board to review the
separation of members of the Armed Forces on the basis of a mental condition not amounting to
disability, including separation on the basis of a personality or adjustment disorder. This would
have included a review of those victims who have suffered military sexual trauma.
March 13, 2013 – S. 548, Military Sexual Assault Prevention Act of 2013, was introduced, read
twice, and referred to the Senate Armed Services Committee. This legislation aimed to amend
Title 10, United States Code, and to improve capabilities of the Armed Forces to prevent and
respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Armed Forces.
March 13, 2013 – Victims of sexual assault in the military testified before a Senate panel
examining the military’s handling of sexual assault cases and stated that the “military justice
system is broken.” They urged Congress to make changes in the law that would stem the rape,
sexual assault, and sexual harassment that they said are pervasive in the service branches.55
Several male Navy veterans testified before the Senate Armed Service Committee’s military
personnel panel investigating sexual assaults in the military. One recounted that he was raped in
2000 by a higher-ranking petty officer aboard a submarine. He told the committee that he carries
permanent shame not for the sexual assault but over how the Navy forced him to leave. He stated
in his testimony, “I carry my discharge as an official and permanent symbol of shame, on top of
the trauma of the physical attack, the retaliation and its aftermath.”56
March 20, 2013 – S. 628, Servicemember Mental Health Review Act, was introduced, read twice
and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Related to H.R. 975, this bill would have
amended Title 10, United States Code, to extend the duration of the Physical Disability Board of
Review and to the expand the authority of such board to review the separation of members of the
Armed Forces on the basis of a mental condition not amounting to disability, including separation
on the basis of a personality or adjustment disorder. This would have included a review of those
victims who may have suffered military sexual trauma.
April 17, 2013 – H.R. 1593, Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention (STOP) Act, was
introduced. This bill seeks to amend Title 10, United States Code, by establishing a Sexual
Assault Oversight and Response Council and an enhanced Sexual Assault Oversight and
Response Office “to improve the prevention of and response to sexual assault in the Armed
Forces, and by requiring the appointment of a Director of Military Prosecutions for sexual-related
offenses committed by a member of the Armed Forces.”
April 26, 2013 – A U.S. senator reportedly put a hold on the nomination of Air Force Lt. Gen.
Susan Helms, nominated to serve as vice commander of the U.S. Space Command. Earlier in
February 2012, Gen. Helms rejected the recommendation of legal counsel and overturned the
55 Richard Lardner and Donna Cassata, “Military Sexual Assault Victims Detail Humiliation,” Associated Press, March
13, 2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/03/13/military-sexual-assault-victims-detail-humiliation.html
56 Rick Maze, “Sailor: Navy Compounded Shame After Sex Assault,” Navy Times, March 13, 2013, at
http://responsesystemspanel.whs.mil/public/docs/meetings/20131107/20131108/06_Sex_Aslt_Survivor_Persp/NavyTi
mes_Navy_Compounded_Shame_After_Sex_Assault.pdf
Congressional Research Service
10
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
conviction of an Air Force captain who had been found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a
female lieutenant.57
May 7, 2013 – S. 871, Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013, was introduced, read
twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. This legislation would have aimed to
provide any victim with a special military lawyer who would assist them throughout the process,
prohibit sexual contact between instructors and trainees during and within 30 days of completion
of basic training or its equivalent, and ensure that sexual assault response coordinators are
available to help members of the National Guard and Reserve.
May 7, 2013 – H.R. 1864, to amend Title 10, United States Code, would have required an
Inspector General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to
making protected communications regarding sexual assault, was introduced and referred to the
House Armed Services Committee. This bill would have required the Inspector General of the
Department of Defense (DOD), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with respect to the
Coast Guard, or any of the military departments to investigate allegations of retaliatory personnel
actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding alleged instances of
rape, sexual assault, or other forms of sexual misconduct in violation of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice.
May 7, 2013 – At the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Personnel hearing
Gen. Mark Welsh, the Air Force’s Chief of Staff, told the committee that he and Air Force
Secretary Michael Donley were “appalled” by the charges against Lt. Col. Jeffrey Krusinski,
branch chief of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault and Prevention Office. He was arrested and
charged by Arlington County, VA, police for allegedly being drunk and groping a woman in a
parking lot one mile from the Pentagon. “Sexual assault prevention and response efforts are
critically important to us,” Welsh said. “It is unacceptable that this occurs anywhere, at any time,
in our Air Force.”58
May 8, 2013 – H.R. 1867, the Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments (BE
SAFE) Act of 2013, was introduced, read twice, and referred to the House Armed Services
Committee. This bill would have amended Title 10, United States Code, “to require an Inspector
General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making
protected communications regarding sexual assault.” This bill would ensure those found guilty of
rape, sexual assault, sodomy, or an attempt to commit any of those crimes, are—at a minimum—
dismissed or dishonorably discharged from the military. The five-year statute of limitations within
the military’s justice system for sexual assault cases would be eliminated, and legal assistance
services available to victims would be expanded.59
May 8, 2013 – In a hearing of the Defense Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations
Committee, senators questioned the Air Force’s top leaders over rising sexual assaults in the
military.60 Some senators cited DOD statistics from the Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the
Military 2012 on the number of incidents of sexual assaults the same week Lt. Col. Jeffrey
57 Donna Cassata, “Senator Puts Hold on AF General’s Promotion,” Associated Press, April 26, 2013, at
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/04/26/senator-puts-hold-on-af-lt-generals-promotion.html
58 Lolita C. Baldor and Donna Cassata, “Military Sex Assault Reports are up, Changes Ordered,” Army Times, May 7,
2013, at http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/Officials-Military-Sex-Assault-Reports-Are-Up206422041.html
59 Megan Scully, “Pressure Building to Address Military Sexual Assault in Defense Bill,” Roll Call, May 9, 2013,
http://www.rollcall.com/news/pressure_building_to_address_military_sexual_assault_in_defense_bill-224671-1.html
60 Brendan McGarry, “Lawmakers Grill Officials Over Sex Assaults, Nukes,” DODBuzz.com, May 8, 2013, at
http://www.dodbuzz.com/2013/05/08/lawmakers-grill-officials-over-sex-assaults-nukes/
Congressional Research Service
11
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Krusinski, Chief of the Air Force’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Branch, was arrested
and charged with sexual battery.
May 9, 2013 – A hearing of the Defense Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee
on the Air Force budget was held. Witnesses included Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force,
and General Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff. Members of the committee questioned them
on Defense Secretary Hagel’s review of the decision by Lt. Gen. Craig Franklin to dismiss Lt.
Col. James Wilkerson’s sexual assault conviction.
May 14, 2013 – H.Res. 213, a resolution to establish the “Special Committee on Sexual Assault
and Abuse in the Armed Forces” was introduced. A “Dear Colleague” memorandum urged
support of this legislation referencing Gen. Martin Dempsey’s denouncement of military sexual
assault as a “crisis” and the need for Congress to address this problem in a “deeper, more
comprehensive manner.” This Special Committee would have included 19 members appointed by
the Speaker and Minority Leader, as well as chairman and ranking members of the committees on
Armed Services, Appropriations, Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform.
May 14, 2013 – H.R. 1960, a bill to authorize appropriations for FY2014 for military activities of
the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department
of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes,
was introduced. The FY2014 NDAA addressed the issue of sexual assault in the military by
establishing minimum sentencing guidelines for any service members found guilty of sexual
assault as well as other provisions.
May 15, 2013 – H.R. 1986, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Deployment Act, was
introduced. This bill would have provided for the assignment of Sexual Assault Nurse ExaminersAdult/Adolescent to brigades and equivalent units of the Armed Forces.
May 15, 2013 – H.R. 2002, Combating Military Sexual Assault Act of 2013, was introduced and
referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. This bill was related to S. 871, and would
have provided any sexual assault victim with a special military lawyer who would assist them
throughout the process, prohibit sexual contact between instructors and trainees during and within
30 days of completion of basic training or its equivalent, and ensure that sexual assault response
coordinators (SARCs) are available to help members of the National Guard and Reserve.
May 16, 2013 – H.R. 2016, Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, was introduced and
referred to the Committee on Armed Services. This bill would have required “a commanding
officer who receives a report of a sexual-related offense involving a member in such officer’s
chain of command to act immediately upon such report by way of referral to the appropriate
criminal investigative office or service.” This bill was related to S. 538, Military Sexual Assault
Prevention Act of 2013, and S. 967, Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013.
May 16, 2013 – S. 967, Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013, was introduced, read twice,
and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. This bill would have required a commanding
officer who receives a report of a sex-related offense involving a member in such officer’s chain
of command to act immediately upon such report by way of referral to the appropriate criminal
investigative office or service.
May 21, 2013 – S. 992, a bill to provide for offices on sexual assault prevention and response
under the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces, to require reports on additional offices and
selection of sexual assault prevention and response personnel, and for other purposes. This bill
was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
May 22, 2013 – A House panel passed a number of changes in sexual assault prevention
programs that limited commander discretion in reducing or dismissing rape and assault charges
Congressional Research Service
12
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
and expanded support services for victims. The House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military
Personnel approved the personnel issues as part of H.R. 1960, the FY2014 NDAA bill.61
May 22, 2013 – The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense held a hearing on the
Army’s FY 2014 Budget Request. Witnesses included Secretary of the Army, John McHugh and
Chief of Staff of the Army, General Raymond T. Odierno. Army Secretary McHugh announced at
this hearing that the service will soon require soldiers being considered for sexual assault
prevention jobs to undergo behavioral-health evaluations as a way of screening out potential sex
offenders from these high-profile positions.62 This was in response to a senator’s question about
the criteria for sexual assault prevention jobs. McHugh said that service record and availability
are the only criteria commanders are using to fill these jobs since sexual-assault prevention
positions do not fall under any military occupational specialty and lack career incentives.63
May 23, 2013 – S. 1032, Better Enforcement for Sexual Assault Free Environments Act of 2013,
was introduced, read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services. This bill would
amend Title 10, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the Uniform Code of
Military Justice related to sex-related offenses committed by members of the Armed Forces.
June 4, 2013 – The uniformed chiefs of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast
Guard appeared before a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on
Military Personnel. These military leaders acknowledged that despite a “zero tolerance” for
sexual abuse, they had neglected the “epidemic” in the ranks by not always monitoring
subordinate commanders. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey
pointed to competing demands and pressures of fighting two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as a
justification for lack of adequate monitoring. The Service Chiefs voiced support for legislative
changes that would take tougher action against offenders and provide more support for victims of
military sexual assault. They opposed a legislative proposal that would remove unit commanders’
legal power to oversee major criminal cases and transfer that authority to uniformed
prosecutors.64 The Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Ray Odierno, noted that taking away commanders’
authority in matters of military justice would adversely impact discipline and that “we cannot,
however, simply ‘prosecute’ our way out of this problem. At its heart, sexual assault is a
discipline issue that requires a culture change.”65
June 4, 2013 – S. 1092 was introduced, read twice, and referred to the Senate Armed Services
Committee. This bill would have amended Title 10, United States Code, to require an Inspector
General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making
protected communications regarding sexual assault.
June 6, 2013 –would allow victims of sexual assault to apply for a permanent change The House
Armed Services Committee passed H.R. 1960, the NDAA for FY2014, by a vote of 59-2.
According to the Committee’s Fact Sheet, “the FY14 NDAA of station or unit transfer, while
61 House Armed Services Committee, “HASC tackles ‘sweeping changes’ to military sexual assault laws,” Defense
Drumbeat Blog, May 22, 2013, at https://armedservices.house.gov/news/drumbeat-blog-posts/hasc-tackles-sweepingchanges-military-sexual-assault-laws
62 Matthew Cox, “Army to Screen Sexual Assault Prevention Leaders,” Military.com, May 22, 2013, at
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/05/22/army-to-screen-sexual-assault-prevention-leaders.html
63 Ibid.
64 Craig Whitlock, “U.S. Military Chiefs Balk at Taking Sex-Assault Cases out of Commanders’ Hands,” Washington
Post, June 3, 2013, at http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-military-chiefs-balk-at-taking-sexassault-cases-out-of-commanders-hands/2013/06/03/0af4f976-cc85-11e2-ac03-178510c9cc0a_story.html?hpid=z1
65 Ibid.
Congressional Research Service
13
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
authorizing the Secretary of Defense to inform commanders of their authority to remove or
temporarily reassign service members who are the alleged perpetrators of sexual assault. It also
requires the provision of victims’ counsels, qualified and specially trained lawyers in each of the
services, to be made available to provide legal assistance to the victims of sex-related offenses.
The FY14 NDAA adds rape, sexual assault, or other sexual misconduct to the protected
communications of service members with a Member of Congress or an Inspector General.”66
June 14, 2013 – The House passed H.R. 1960, the NDAA for FY2014 by a vote of 315 to 108
(Roll no. 244). This bill includes a provision protecting victims of sexual assault in the Armed
Forces as protected communications under military whistle-blower laws, to shield victims against
retaliatory actions. The measure seeks to encourage more victims to report assaults, rape and
other forms of sexual misconduct.
June 17, 2013 – H.R. 2397, “Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014,” was introduced
and referred to the House Committee on Appropriations. It was reported as an original measure,
H.Rept. 113-113. Lawmakers wrote in this committee report that they were “outraged by the
pervasive problem of sexual assault in the Armed Forces. Sexual assault is not just an issue in the
military; it is an epidemic. To address it, the Committee believes that there must be a culture
change at every level of the military, from the most senior leadership to the most junior ranks.”
Included was a measure that would provide $182 million for the Pentagon’s Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) and for an expansion of a victim’s counseling
program. For FY2013, the programs received $95 million. The bill included $25 million that was
not requested by the administration in a transfer account to expand assistance across the Defense
Department.67
June 20, 2013 – S. 1197, NDAA for Fiscal Year 2014, was introduced in the Senate. This bill
would have authorized “appropriations for fiscal year 2014 for military activities of the
Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of
Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes,” and
referred to the Committee on Armed Services. The original measure was reported to the Senate in
Report No. 113-44 and placed on the Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No.
91). Included in this bill was Title V—Military Personnel Policy, Subtitle E—Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response and Military Justice.68
June 27, 2013 – H.R. 1864, a bill “To amend Title 10, United States Code, to require an
Inspector General investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to
making protected communications regarding sexual assault,” was agreed to/passed in the House,
423-0 (Roll no. 294).
July 18, 2013 – Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and
Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., the vice chairman, in a hearing before the Senate Armed
Services Committee said that commanders should retain responsibility for prosecuting service
66 House Armed Services Committee, Fact Sheet: H.R. 1960 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014,
June 6, 2013, at
http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Documents/2013/June%202013/HASC_HR1960_summary.pdf
67 For details see p.17 (PDF p.27) in H.Rept. 113-113.
68 Senate Committee on Armed Services, Markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014,
Press Release, June 14, 2013, at https://www.armed-services.senate.gov/press-releases/senate-committee-on-armedservices-completes-markup-of-the-national-defense-authorization-act-for-fiscal-year-2014
Congressional Research Service
14
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
members accused of sexual assault, and taking that authority away could harm good order and
discipline.69
July 22, 2013 – H.R. 2777, Stop Pay for Violent Offenders Act, was introduced “to amend Title
10, United States Code, to authorize the Secretaries of the military departments to suspend the
pay and allowances of a member of the Armed Forces who is held in confinement pending trial
by court-martial or by civil authority for any sex-related offense or capital offense.”
July 24, 2013 – H.Amdt. 408 to H.R. 2397, an amendment to provide funds to identify
individuals who were separated from the military on the grounds of a disorder subsequent to
reporting a sexual assault and, if appropriate, correcting their record. This amendment (A065)
was agreed to by voice vote.
July 24, 2013 – H.R. 2397, “Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2014,” was
passed/agreed to in House, 315 - 109 (Roll no. 414).
October 22, 2013 – H.R. 3304, the NDAA for FY2014, was introduced in the House. As
introduced, the bill would have provided for a defense counsel interview of victim of an alleged
sex-related offense in presence of trial counsel, counsel for the victim, or a Sexual Assault Victim
Advocate, prohibition on service in the Armed Forces by individuals who have been convicted of
certain sexual offenses, Coast Guard regulations regarding request for permanent change of
station or unit transfer by victim of sexual assault, temporary administrative reassignment or
removal of an active duty member accused of committing a sexual assault, Inspector General
investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected
communications regarding sexual assault, compliance tracking of commanding officers in
conducting organizational climate assessments for purposes of preventing and responding to
sexual assaults, advancement of submittal deadline for report of independent panel on assessment
of military response systems to sexual assault, retention of certain forms on sexual assault, timely
access to Sexual Assault Response Coordinators by the National Guard and Reserves, and
qualifications and selection of Department of Defense sexual assault prevention and response
personnel and required availability of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. It also would establish
commanding officer actions regarding sexual assault reports, an eight-day incident reporting
requirement in response to unrestricted report of sexual assault in which the victim is a member
of the Armed Forces, and curricula that addresses the prevention of sexual assault at the military
service academies.70
December 26, 2013 – H.R. 3304, the NDAA for FY2014 became P.L. 113-66. As enacted, the
bill included more than two dozen provisions to address an epidemic of sexual assault in the
military in Title XVII—Sexual Assault Prevention and Response and Related Reforms, Subtitle
A—Reform of Uniform Code of Military Justice.71
February 26, 2014 – Dr. Karen S. Guice, principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for
health affairs, and other Defense Department officials testified before the Senate Armed Services
69 Jim Garamone, “Commanders Should Retain Prosecution Authority, Leaders Say,” DOD News, July 18, 2013, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=120476.
70 See [archived] CRS Report, Sexual Assaults under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ): Selected
Legislative Proposals, by R. Chuck Mason, in the section “Selected Legislative Proposals,” on pp. 7-8.
71 See [archived] CRS Report, FY2014 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues, by Don
Jansen, et al. in the section on “Sexual Assault and the Military,” February 24, 2014, on p.13.
Congressional Research Service
15
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Committee’s personnel subcommittee on the relationship between military sexual assault
survivors and the subsequent development of suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder.72
April 9, 2014 – H.R. 4435, the Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2015, was introduced in the House. The bill would have applied Title XVII of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (P.L. 113-66; 127 Stat. 950) to the
military service academies, consulted with victims of sexual assault regarding victims’ preference
for prosecution of offense by court-martial or civilian court, created a confidential review of
characterization of terms of discharge for victims of sexual offenses, revised requirements
relating to DOD policy on retention of evidence in a sexual assault case to allow return of
personal property upon completion of related proceedings, required the DOD Inspector General
to review separation of members who made unrestricted reports of sexual assault, and would have
created a deadline for submission of report containing results of review of Office of Diversity
Management and Equal Opportunity role in sexual harassment cases. Prior to passing in the
House, the House Armed Services Committee rejected an amendment from Congresswoman
Speier that would have removed the military chain of command from decisions to prosecute
sexual assault cases and other major crimes, except offenses that are unique to the military. She
offered an alternative proposal, which would have only removed commanding officers’
prosecutorial discretion for instances of sexual assault, that was also rejected by a 28-34 vote. It
was received in the Senate, read twice, and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders. Calendar No. 425.
June 2, 2014 — S. 2410, the Carl Levin National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2015, was introduced in the Senate. It was placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General
Orders. Calendar No. 402. The bill included measures on military justice such as enhancing
sexual assault prevention and response, the application of P.L. 113-66, Title XVII to military
academies, and the collaboration between the Departments of Justice and Defense.
December 19, 2014 — H.R. 3979, the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, was signed as P.L. 113-291. Subtitle D—Military
Justice, Including Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Prevention and Response addressed the
following: modification of DOD policy on retention of evidence in a sexual assault cases to
permit return of personal property upon completion of related proceedings; requirements relating
to Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner; analysis and assessment of disposition of most serious
offenses; a plan for limited use of certain information on sexual assaults in restricted reports by
military criminal investigative organizations; the establishment of a Defense Advisory Committee
on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces; confidential
review of the terms of discharge of sexual assault survivors; deadline for submission of report
containing results of review of Office of Diversity Management and Equal Opportunity role in
sexual harassment cases; and applied Title XVII of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2014 (P.L. 113-66;
127 Stat. 950) to the military service academies.73
72 Karen Guice, Nathan Galbreath, and Jacqueline Garrick. “Statement by Dr. Karen Guice Principal Deputy Assistant
Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs); Dr. Nathan Galbreath Senior Executive Advisor DOD Sexual Assault
Prevention and Response Office; and Jacqueline Garrick Director, Defense Suicide Prevention Office regarding support
to survivors of sexual assault before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Personnel Subcommittee,” February 26,
2014, at https://www.health.mil/Reference-Center/Congressional-Testimonies/2014/02/26/Dr-Karen-Guice
73 See CRS Report R43647, FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues,
coordinated by Barbara Salazar Torreon, December 11, 2014, in sections “Briefing on Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response,” on p.9 and “Sexual Assault” on p.18.
Congressional Research Service
16
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
114th Congress (2015-2016)
January 13, 2015 — S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 was introduced in
the Senate. Title V of this bill “Military Sex Offender Reporting” stipulates that the Secretary of
Defense shall provide the Attorney General information about sex offenders in the military to be
included in the National Sex Offender Registry and the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public
Website.74 It became P.L. 114-22 on May 29, 2015.
February 3, 2015 — H.R. 677, American Heroes COLA Act of 2015, was introduced in the
House, passed on February 9, and the next day was received in the Senate, read twice, and
referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Section 6 proposed that veterans whose claims
were being reviewed again in relation to a previously denied claim relating to military sexual
trauma be given priority, among other claims.
February 12, 2015 — H.R. 956, the Military Track, Register and Alert Communities Act of 2015
(Military TRAC Act) was introduced in the House and referred to the House Armed Services
Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel on November 23. This bill intended to require
DOD to maintain a sex offender registry of individuals convicted of certain sex offenses under the
Uniform Code of Military Justice or of other military offenses appropriate for sex offender
registration purposes.
April 13, 2015 — H.R. 1735, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, was
introduced in the House. Subtitle D addressed military justice, including sexual assault and
domestic violence prevention and response.
April 24, 2015 — H.R. 2029, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 was introduced in the
House and later became P.L. 114-113. Section 8057 specified that “$25,000,000 shall be for
continued implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Special Victims' Counsel
Program.”
May 14, 2015 — S. 1356, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 was
introduced in the Senate and later became P.L. 114-92 on November 25, 2015. Subtitle D
“Military Justice, Including Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Prevention and Response”
amended the Uniform Code of Military Justice, authorized Special Victims’ Counsel for civilian
DOD employees, required the DOD to develop a policy to standardize the training for Special
Victims' Counsel, required the establishment of Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation,
Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces within 90 days, required the
development of a plan to improve prevention and response to sexual assaults of male members of
the Armed Forces, required the establishment of a strategy to prevent retaliation against Armed
Forces members who report or intervene on behalf of sexual assault victims, and authorized the
President to modify Rule 304(c) of the Military Rules of Evidence to conform to the rules
governing the admissibility of the corroboration of admissions and confessions in the trial of
criminal cases in the U.S. district courts.75
74 The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is a public resource that provides access to sex
offender data nationwide. It is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and state, territorial, and tribal
governments. It was named in honor of young college student Dru Sjodin of Grand Forks, North Dakota, a young
woman who was murdered by a sex offender who was registered in Minnesota. https://www.nsopw.gov/en/home/about/
75 See CRS Report R44120, FY2016 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues, by Kristy
N. Kamarck, Lawrence Kapp, and Barbara Salazar Torreon, December 17, 2015, in the section on ‘Sexual Assault” on
p. 10.
Congressional Research Service
17
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
June 11, 2015 — S. 1558, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2016, was introduced in
the Senate. The bill would have required specified O&M funds to be used for continued
implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program.
June 11, 2015 — S. 1567, a bill to amend Title 10, United States Code, to provide for a review of
the characterization or terms of discharge from the Armed Forces of individuals with mental
health disorders alleged to affect terms of discharge, was introduced in the Senate. The bill
proposed to address medical evidence reviews for former members applying for relief from the
terms of their discharge due to military sexual trauma among other conditions.
June 11, 2015 — S.Amdt. 1578 to S.Amdt. 1463 in H.R. 1735, National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2016, was proposed in the Senate and later considered and defeated on June
16. This bill was intended to reform procedures for determinations to proceed to trial by courtmartial for certain offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It did not achieve 60
votes in the Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. The final vote was 50 - 49.
April 12, 2016 — H.R. 4909, the NDAA for FY2017, was introduced in the House where it
passed on May 18. On May 26, it was received in the Senate, read twice, and placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 502.
April 18, 2016 — H.R. 4991, the Prevent Retaliation and Open up Transparency to Expand Care
for Troops (PROTECT) Act of 2016, was introduced in the House and later referred to the House
Armed Services’ Subcommittee on Military Personnel. The bill intended to amend the Uniform
Code of Military Justice to establish the offense of retaliation with provisions that would permit
any person intent on retaliating against anyone for reporting or planning to report a criminal
offense to be punished as a court-martial may direct.
May 18, 2016 — S. 2943, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, was
introduced in the Senate and became P.L. 114-328 on December 23. Subtitle D specified
requirements for the review by a discharge review board of claims by former members asserting
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI) in connection with combat
or sexual trauma. Subtitle E “Military Justice and Legal Assistance Matters” required an annual
report on sexual assault and response efforts, required Sexual Assault Prevention and Response
Office to establish evaluation metrics and best practices in the prevention of and response to
retaliation, and modified the definition of sexual harassment for the purposes of investigations of
complaints of harassment by commanding officers. Title XXXV “Maritime Matters” established
requirements for policies and training regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault prevention
and response at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and required the Inspector General of the
Department of Transportation to submit a report to Congress about the sexual harassment and
sexual assault prevention and response program at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Title LIV
“Court-Martial Jurisdiction” specified the sexual offenses over which general courts-martial have
exclusive jurisdiction. Title LX “Punitive Articles” created a new section of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice addressing accountability for sexual misconduct committed by recruiters and
trainers during the various phases within the recruiting and basic military training environments,
revised the definition of ''sexual act'' with respect to the offenses of rape and sexual assault.76
May 19, 2016 — H.R. 5293, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017, was introduced in
the House, passed on June 16, received in the Senate the next day, where it received a motion to
proceed to consideration. The bill would have required O&M funds to be used for continued
implementation and expansion of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program.
76 See CRS Report R44577, FY2017 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Issues, by Kristy
N. Kamarck et al., January 23, 2017, in the section “Military Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment” on p.29.
Congressional Research Service
18
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
May 26, 2016 — S. 3000, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017, was introduced in
the Senate and placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 500.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Department of Defense held several
hearings prior from February-April. The bill would have required specified O&M funds to be
used for continued implementation and expansion of the SAPR Program.
Table 1. Key Bills in the 113th Congress (2013-2014)
Bill Number and Title
Date
Introduced
Status
H.R. 430, Protect Our Military
Trainees Act.
1/25/2013
2/21/2013: Referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services, Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
H.R. 671/S. 294, Ruth Moore Act
of 2013.
2/13/2013
6/4/2013: H.R. 671 Passed/agreed to in House by voice vote.
6/6/2013: Received in the Senate and Read twice and
referred to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
6/12/2013: Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Hearings held
on. S. 294
S. 548, Military Sexual Assault
Prevention Act of 2013.
3/13/2013
3/13/2013: Read twice and referred to the Senate
Committee on Armed Services.
H.R. 1593, Sexual Assault
Training Oversight and Prevention
(STOP) Act.
4/17/2013
4/17/2013: Referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services. 5/6/2013: Referred to the Subcommittee on
Military Personnel.
S. 871, Combating Military Sexual
Assault Act of 2013.
5/7/2013
5/7/2013: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee
on Armed Services.
H.R. 1864, To amend Title 10,
United States Code, to require an
Inspector General investigation of
allegations of retaliatory personnel
actions taken in response to
making protected communications
regarding sexual assault.
5/7/2013
6/27/2013: Passed/agreed to in House, 423 - 0 (Roll no. 294).
7/8/2013 Referred to Senate committee: Received in the
Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Armed Services.
H.R. 1867, Better Enforcement
for Sexual Assault Free
Environments Act of 2013 (BE
SAFE Act).
5/8/2013
6/8/2013: Referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services. 6/20/2013: Referred to the Subcommittee on
Military Personnel.
H.R. 1960, National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year 2014.
5/14/2013
6/14/2013: Passed/agreed to in House by recorded vote: 315
- 108 (Roll no. 244).
7/8/2013 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar
No. 126.
H.R. 2002, Combating Military
Sexual Assault Act of 2013 (related
to S. 871).
5/15/2013
5/15/2013: Referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services. 6/20/2013: Referred to the Subcommittee on
Military Personnel.
H.R. 2016/S. 967, Military Justice
Improvement Act of 2013.
5/16/2013
5/16/2013: H.R. 2016 Referred to the House Committee on
Armed Services.
6/20/2013: Referred to the Subcommittee on Military
Personnel.
5/16/2013: S.967 Read twice and referred to the Senate
Committee on Armed Services.
S. 1032/H.R. 2207, Better
Enforcement for Sexual Assault
5/23/2013
5/23/2013: S.1032 Read twice and referred to the Senate
Committee on Armed Services.
Congressional Research Service
19
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Bill Number and Title
Date
Introduced
Free Environments Act of 2013
(BE SAFE Act), related to
H.R.1867.
Status
5/23/2013: H.R.2207 Referred to the House Committee on
Armed Services.
S. 1092, A bill to amend Title 10,
United States Code, to require an
Inspector General investigation of
allegations of retaliatory personnel
actions taken in response to
making protected communications
regarding sexual assault.
6/4/2013
6/4/2013: Read twice and referred to the Senate Committee
on Armed Services.
H.R. 2397, Department of
Defense Appropriations Act, 2014
6/17/2013
6/17/2013 The House Committee on Appropriations
reported an original measure, H. Rept. 113-113.
7/24/2013 Passed/agreed to in House 315 - 109 (Roll no.
414).
S. 1197, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2014
6/20/2013
6/20/2013 Committee on Armed Services. Original measure
reported to Senate with written report No. 113-44. Placed
on Senate Legislative Calendar under general Orders
(Calendar No. 91).
H.R. 2777, Stop Pay for Violent
Offenders Act.
7/22/2013
7/22/2013: Referred to the House Committee on Armed
Services.
Sources: Congress.gov at http://www.congress.gov and CQ.com at http://CQ.com.
Table 2. Key Bills in the 114th Congress (2015-2016)
Bill Number and Title
Date
Introduced
Current Status
S. 178, the Justice for Victims of
Trafficking Act of 2015
1/13/2015
5/29/2015 Became P.L. 114-22.
5/29/2015 Signed by President.
H.R. 677, American Heroes COLA
Act of 2015
2/3/2015
2/9/2016 Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice
vote.
H.R. 956, the Military Track,
Register and Alert Communities Act
of 2015 (Military TRAC Act)
2/12/2015
11/23/2015 Referred to the Subcommittee on Military
Personnel.
H.R. 1603, the Military Sexual
Assault Victims Empowerment Act,
or Military SAVE Act
3/25/2015
11/17/2015 Subcommittee Hearings Held by House Veterans'
Affairs Subcommittee on Health.
H.R. 1607/S. 865, the Ruth Moore
Act of 2015
3/25/2015
3/25/2015 S. 865 Read twice and referred to the Committee
on Veterans' Affairs.
7/28/2015 Received H.R.1607 in the Senate and Read twice
and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
H.R. 1735, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2016
4/13/2015
10/22/2015 Vetoed by President.
S. 1376, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2016
5/19/2015
5/19/2015 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 88.
Congressional Research Service
20
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Bill Number and Title
Date
Introduced
Current Status
H.R. 2029, the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2016
4/24/2015
12/18/2015 Became P.L. 114-113.
12/18/2015 Signed by President.
S. 1356, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2016
5/14/2015
11/25/2015 Became P.L. 114-92.
11/25/2015 Signed by President.
S. 1558, Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 2016
6/11/2015
6/11/2015 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 115.
S. 1567, a bill to amend Title 10,
United States Code, to provide for
a review of the characterization or
terms of discharge from the Armed
Forces of individuals with mental
health disorders alleged to affect
terms of discharge
6/11/2015
6/11/2015 Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Armed Services.
S.Amdt. 1578 to S.Amdt. 1463
6/11/2015
6/16/2015 Amendment SA 1578, under the order of 6/11/15,
not having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, was not
agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 - 49.
S. 2521, the Military SAVE Act
2/9/2016
2/9/2016 Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Veterans' Affairs.
H.R. 4909, National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2017
4/12/2016
5/26/2016 Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar
No. 502.
H.R. 4991, the Prevent Retaliation
and Open up Transparency to
Expand Care for Troops
(PROTECT) Act of 2016
4/18/2016
5/5/2016 Referred to the Subcommittee on Military
Personnel.
S. 2814, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2017
4/19/2016
4/19/2016 Read twice and referred to the Committee on
Armed Services.
S. 2943, the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2017
5/18/2016
12/23/2016 Became P.L. 114-328.
12/23/2016 Signed by President.
H.R. 5293, Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 2017
5/19/2016
9/6/2016 Second cloture on the motion to proceed to the
measure not invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 55 - 43.
S. 3000, Department of Defense
Appropriations Act, 2017
5/26/2016
5/26/2016 Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 500.
H.R. 5600, No Hero Left Untreated
Act
6/28/2016
11/30/2016 Received in the Senate.
Sources: Congress.gov at http://www.congress.gov and CQ.com at http://CQ.com
Congressional Research Service
21
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Selected Resources
Government Sources
Department of Defense
DOD Directive No. 6495.01. “Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program,”
January 23, 2012, Incorporating Change 3, April 11, 2017, at
http://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodd/649501p.pdf
DOD Directive No. 6495.02. “Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program
Procedures,” March 28, 2013, Incorporating Change 3, May 24, 2017, at
https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/649502p.pdf
DOD Inspector General (IG). Evaluation of the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations
Sexual Assault Investigations, DODIG-2013-091, July 9, 2013, 104 p. at
http://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/Article/1118941/evaluation-of-the-military-criminalinvestigative-organizations-sexual-assault/
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) at https://www.sapr.mil/
Includes the full text of DOD Annual Reports, FY2004 - FY2016, and reports on Sexual
Harassment and Violence at the U.S. Military Service Academies, Academic Program Years
(APY) 2005-2018.
Non-DOD Reports
“Final 2014–2015 Academic Program Year Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Sexual
Assault at the United States Merchant Marine Academy,” Maritime Administration, undetermined
date, at https://www.marad.dot.gov/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Final-2014-2015-SASH-Report.pdf
“Department of Transportation U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Culture Audit, Deliverable 4.
Final Report,” U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, December 2016, at
https://cms.dot.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/mission/civil-rights/263966/dot-usmma-report.pdf
“Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program,” United States Coast Guard, LMI,
December 2016, at https://media.defense.gov/2017/Mar/29/2001723560/-1/1/0/CIM_1754_10E.PDF
“Preliminary 2015-2016 Academic Year Biennial Survey and Report on Sexual Harassment and
Sexual Assault at the United States Merchant Marine Academy,” Maritime Administration,
January 12, 2017, at https://www.marad.dot.gov/wp-content/uploads/pdf/Preliminary-2015-2016SASH-Report.pdf
Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Military Justice: Oversight and Better Collaboration Needed for Sexual Assault Investigations
and Adjudications, GAO-11-579, Jun 22, 2011, 42 p. http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-11-579
Preventing Sexual Harassment: DOD Needs Greater Leadership Commitment and an Oversight
Framework, GAO-11-809, Sep 21, 2011, 47 p. http://www.gao.gov/assets/590/585344.pdf
Prior GAO Work on DOD’s Actions to Prevent and Respond to Sexual Assault in the Military,
GAO-12-571R, Mar 30, 2012, 40 p. http://www.gao.gov/assets/590/589780.pdf
Congressional Research Service
22
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
DOD Has Taken Steps to Meet the Health Needs of Deployed Servicewomen, but Actions Are
Needed to Enhance Care for Sexual Assault Victims, GAO-13-182, January 29, 2013, 40 p.
http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/651624.pdf
Military Personnel: Actions Needed to Address Sexual Assaults of Male Servicemembers, Report
to the Committee on Armed Services, GAO-15-284, March 19, 2015, 86 p.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-15-284
Sexual Assault: Actions Needed to Improve DOD's Prevention Strategy and to Help Ensure It Is
Effectively Implemented, GAO-16-61, November 4, 2015, 59 p.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-61
DOD and Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Increase Oversight and Management Information on
Hazing Incidents Involving Servicemembers, GAO-16-226, Feb 9, 2016, 74 p.
http://www.gao.gov/products/GAO-16-226
Selected Articles, Studies and Reports
The following news sources are listed in chronological order to make it easier to follow the
numerous incidents of wide-spread misconduct reported in the media. Military.com has ongoing
news on military sexual assault at http://www.military.com/topics/sexual-assault.
2012
Montgomery, Nancy. “Johnson Found Guilty of Last Two Counts; Awaits Sentencing.” Stars and
Stripes, June 13, 2012, at http://www.stripes.com/news/johnson-found-guilty-of-last-two-countsawaits-sentencing-1.180204
Carroll, Chris. “Air Force has Identified 31 Alleged Victims in Lackland Sex Abuse Scandal,”
Stars and Stripes, June 28, 2012, at http://www.stripes.com/news/air-force-has-identified-31alleged-victims-in-lackland-sex-abuse-scandal-1.181597
Dao, James. “Instructor for Air Force Is Convicted in Sex Assaults,” New York Times, July 20,
2012, at http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/21/us/lackland-air-force-base-instructor-guilty-of-sexassaults.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Blansett, Susan and Hoffman, Michael. “Sexual Assault Cases Flood Military Courts,”
Military.com, August 13, 2012, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2012/08/13/sex-assaultcases-flood-military-courts.html
2013
Risen, James. “Honor Betrayed: Attacked at 19 by an Air Force Trainer, and Speaking Out,” New
York Times, February 26, 2013, at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/us/former-air-forcerecruit-speaks-out-about-rape-by-her-sergeant-at-lackland.html?pagewanted=all
Mulrine, Anne. “Seeking the Sex-Assault Solution,” Air Force Magazine, April 2013, at
http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2013/April%202013/0413solution.aspx
“5 Former Lackland Commanders Disciplined,” Military.com, May 2, 2013, at
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/05/02/5-former-lackland-commanders-disciplined.html
Kime, Patricia. “Lawmakers Act Fast with New Legislation on Military Sexual Assault.” Army
Times, May 7, 2013.
Congressional Research Service
23
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Shapira, Ian. “July Trial Set for Jeffrey Krusinski, Air Force Officer Accused of Sexual Battery.”
Washington Post, May 9, 2013, at https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/july-trial-set-for-airforce-officer-accused-of-sexual-battery/2013/05/09/8a21eb92-b8d9-11e2-92f3f291801936b8_story.html?utm_term=.e0d4951e6573
Steinhauer, Jennifer. “Lawmakers, at White House, Discuss Sex Abuse in Military.” New York
Times, May 9, 2013, at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/10/us/politics/lawmakers-huddle-atwhite-house-on-sex-abuse-in-military.html?_r=0
Whitlock, Craig. “Pentagon Grapples with Sex Crimes by Military Recruiters,” Washington Post,
May 12, 2013, at http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-05-12/world/39210853_1_militaryrecruiters-sexual-abuse-army-reserve
Sisk, Richard. “Assault Prevention NCO Investigated for Sex Crimes.” Military.com, May 15,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/05/15/assault-prevention-nco-investigated-forsex-crimes.html
Whitlock, Craig. “Some in Congress want Changes in Military Law as a Result of Sex Crimes,”
Washington Post, May 15, 2013, at http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/
some-in-congress-want-changes-in-military-law-as-result-of-sex-crimes/2013/05/15/672a2a8abd8b-11e2-a31d-a41b2414d001_story.html
Sisk, Richard. “Sex Assault Crisis Pushes Senate to Overhaul UCMJ,” Military.com, May 16,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/05/16/sex-assault-crisis-pushes-senate-tooverhaul-ucmj.html
Tilghman, Andrew. “Dempsey: DOD May Have Become ‘Too Forgiving’ of Sexual Assault,”
Army Times, May 17, 2013.
Brady, Gen. Roger Brady (ret.). “Commentary: Telling Truths about Sexual Assault is Risky,” Air
Force Times, May. 21, 2013.
Salcedo, Michele. “Senator: Fire Commanders Allowing Sex Assault,” Army Times, May 26,
2013.
Tucker, Eric. “More Details Released on Annapolis Sex Assault Investigation: Allegations Made
Against Three Football Players,” Navy Times, May 30, 2013.
Lardner, Richard. “Brass Seeks to Temper Military Justice Overhaul,” Associated Press, June 3,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/03/brass-seeks-to-temper-military-justiceoverhaul.html
Cassata, Donna and Richard Lardner. “Sexual Assaults Force Changes to Military Justice,”
Associated Press, June 4, 2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/04/sexualassaults-force-changes-to-military-justice.html
Zengerle, Patricia. “U.S. Lawmakers Act to Limit Military Authority in Sex Assault Cases,”
Reuters, June 5, 2013, at http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/05/us-usa-military-sexassaultcongress-idUSBRE9541IG20130605
Cassata, Donna and Richard Lardner. “House OKs 2-Yr Jail Term for Military Sex Assault,”
Associated Press, June 14, 2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/06/14/house-oks-2year-jail-term-for-military-sex-assault.html
Montgomery, Nancy. “After 2 decades of sexual assault in military, no real change in message,”
Stars and Stripes, July 7, 2013, at https://www.stripes.com/news/after-2-decades-of-sexualassault-in-military-no-real-change-in-message-1.229091
Congressional Research Service
24
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Steinhauer, Jennifer. “Complex Fight in Senate over Curbing Military Sex Assaults,” New York
Times, June 14, 2013, at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/15/us/politics/in-senate-complex-fightover-curbing-sexual-military-assaults.html?pagewanted=all
Dao, James. “In Debate over Military Sexual Assault, Men Are Overlooked Victims,” New York
Times, June 23, 2013, at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/24/us/in-debate-over-military-sexualassault-men-are-overlooked-victims.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Sisk, Richard. “Military Tries to Sever Booze, Sex Assault Link,” Military.com, July 8, 2013, at
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/08/military-tries-to-sever-booze-sex-assaultlink.html
Watson, Julie. “Military Works to Change Culture to Combat Rape,” Associated Press, July 15,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/15/military-works-to-change-culture-tocombat-rape.html
Olson, Wyatt. “IG Review Finds Deficiencies in Sex Assault Cases,” Stars and Stripes, July 16,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/16/ig-review-finds-deficiencies-in-sexassault-cases.html
Shanker, Thom. “New Support for Military in Sex Cases,” New York Times, July 24, 2013, at
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/25/us/politics/new-support-for-military-in-sex-cases.html
Taranto, James. “A Strange Sort of Justice at West Point,” The Wall Street Journal, July 26, 2013,
at https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-strange-sort-of-justice-at-west-point-1376453937
Cassata, Donna, “Senator Targets Military Law over Sexual Assault,” Associated Press, July 29,
2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/29/senator-targets-military-law-oversexual-assault.html?comp=7000023317843&rank=3
Groer, Annie. “Military brass claim progress in pursuing sexual assault cases,” Washington Post,
August 1, 2013, at https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-thepeople/wp/2013/08/01/military-brass-claim-progress-in-pursing-sexual-assaultcases/?utm_term=.72e55e7e218c
Jennifer Koons. “Sexual Assault in the Military: Can the Pentagon stem the rise in incidents?” CQ
Researcher, vol. 23, no. 29 (August 9, 2013), pp. 693-716.
Laird, Lorelei. “Military lawyers confront changes as sexual assault becomes big news,” ABA
(American Bar Association) Journal, September 2013, at
http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/military_lawyers_confront_changes_as_sexual_assa
ult_becomes_big_news/
Jelinek, Pauline. “Pentagon: Reports of Sexual Assault Up 46 Percent,” Associated Press,
November 8, 2013, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/11/08/pentagon-reports-ofsexual-assault-up-46-percent.html
Matthews, Michael F. “The Untold Story of Military Sexual Assault,” The New York Times,
November 24, 2013, at http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/25/opinion/the-untold-story-of-militarysexual-assault.html
“Men Sexually Assaulted in the Military Speak Out,” Baltimore Sun, December 20, 2013, at
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/12/20/men-sexually-assaulted-in-the-military-speakout.html
Congressional Research Service
25
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
2014
Kageyama, Yuri and Richard Lardner. “Documents Reveal Chaotic Military Sex-Abuse Record,”
Associated Press, February 10, 2014, at http://www.military.com/dailynews/2014/02/10/documents-reveal-chaotic-military-sex-abuse-record.html
Montgomery, Nancy. “AF Program Rare Bright Spot in Sex Assault Fight,” Stars and Stripes,
February 27, 2014, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/02/27/air-force-program-rarebright-spot-in-sex-assault-fight.html
Cox, Matthew. “Alcohol Policies Reviewed as Sex Assault Rises,” Military.com, May 1, 2014, at
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/05/01/alcohol-policies-reviewed-as-sex-assaultrises.html
Burns, Robert. “Army Knocks 2-Star Down to 1-Star Rank,” Associated Press, August 27, 2014,
at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/08/27/army-knocks-2-star-down-to-1-star-rank.html
Milham, Matt. “Army: It's Good News That Sexual Assault Reports Are Up,” Stars and Stripes,
September 26, 2014, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/09/26/army-its-good-newsthat-sexual-assault-reports-are-up.html
Draper, Robert. The Military’s Rough Justice on Sexual Assault,” New York Times, November 26,
2014, at https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/magazine/the-militarys-rough-justice-on-sexualassault.html
Sisk, Richard. “Sexual Assault Reports Increase 8%, Pentagon Cites Progress,” Military.com,
December 4, 2014, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/04/sexual-assault-reportsincrease-8-pentagon-cites-progress.html
Baldor, Lolita C. “Male Military Sex Assault Victims Slow to Complain,” Associated Press,
December 9, 2014, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2014/12/09/male-military-sex-assaultvictims-slow-to-complain.html
2015
Roulo, Claudette. “Sexual Assault Rates Decrease at Military Service Academies,” DOD News,
Defense Media Activity, February 11, 2015, at
http://archive.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=128158
Pellerin, Cheryl. “DOD Honors Sexual Assault Response Coordinators,” DOD News, April 23,
2015, at https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/604510/
Rowe, Major Derek. “General courts-martial for sexual assault: How do they work?” Air Force
News, April 28, 2015, at http://www.af.mil/News/Commentaries/Display/Article/586763/generalcourts-martial-for-sexual-assault-how-do-they-work/
Sisk, Richard. “Military Sexual Assault Reports Increased 11 Percent Last Year,” Military.com,
May 1, 2015, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/05/01/military-sexual-assault-reportsincreased-11-percent-last-year.html
Johnson, Lieutenant General Michelle D., U.S. Air Force Academy superintendent; Vice Admiral
Walter E. “Ted” Carter Jr., superintendent, U.S. Naval Academy; Lieutenant General Robert L.
Caslen, superintendent, U.S. Military Academy; Rear Admiral James A. Helis, superintendent,
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy; Rear Admiral Sandra L. Stosz, superintendent, U.S. Coast
Guard Academy. “Lessons to Share: The five superintendents of federal service academies
discuss how their institutions -- which faced scrutiny over sexual assault before many other
Congressional Research Service
26
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
colleges attracted such attention -- have responded to the issue,” Inside Higher Ed, May 7, 2015,
at https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2015/05/07/essay-how-federal-service-academicsprevent-and-punish-sexual-assault
Tilghman, Andrew. “Military sexual assault claims: 1 in 20 lead to jail time,” Military Times, May
13, 2015, at https://www.militarytimes.com/2015/05/13/military-sexual-assault-claims-1-in-20lead-to-jail-time/
Schogol, Jeff. “Defense seeks dismissal of sexual assault case transferred to Washington,” Air
Force Times, October 17, 2015, at https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-airforce/2015/10/17/defense-seeks-dismissal-of-sexual-assault-case-transferred-to-washington/
Whitlock, Craig. “In the war against sexual assault, the Army keeps shooting itself in the foot,”
Washington Post, December 19, 2015, at
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/12/19/in-the-war-against-sexualassault-the-army-keeps-shooting-itself-in-the-foot/?utm_term=.d856136e939b
Defense Media Activity. “Defense Department Proposes UCMJ Changes,” DOD News,
December 28, 2015, at https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/638108/defensedepartment-proposes-ucmj-changes/
Losey, Stephen. “USAF launches new strategy to curb sexual assault,” Air Force Times,
December 30, 2015, at https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2015/12/30/usaflaunches-new-strategy-to-curb-sexual-assault/
2016
Kime, Patricia. “Sexual assault reporting rises at U.S. service academies,” Military Times,
January 8, 2016, at https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2016/01/08/sexual-assaultreporting-rises-at-u-s-service-academies/
Larter, David B. “Navy sex assault victims may be eligible for early separation,” Navy Times,
January 20, 2016, at https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2016/01/20/navy-sex-assaultvictims-may-be-eligible-for-early-separation/
Cox, John Woodrow. “Why sex assault reports have spiked at the Naval Academy, West Point and
the Air Force Academy, Washington Post, March 11, 2016, at
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/03/11/why-sex-assault-reports-havespiked-at-the-naval-academy-west-point-and-the-air-force-academy/?utm_term=.a5e15f2f16f1
Whitlock, Craig, Thomas Gibbons-Neff. “Military bringing more charges against officers for
sexual assault,” Washington Post, March 20, 2016, at https://www.stripes.com/news/us/militarybringing-more-charges-against-of%EF%AC%81cers-for-sexual-assault1.400140#.WeTFNOFRXUc
Lardner, Richard. “Pentagon misled lawmakers on military sexual assault cases,” Associated
Press, April 18, 2016, at https://apnews.com/23aed8a571f64a9d9c81271f0c6ae2fa/pentagonmisled-lawmakers-military-sexual-assault-cases
Kheel, Rebecca. “Senators ask Obama to investigate whether Pentagon misled Congress,” The
Hill, April 19, 2016, at http://thehill.com/policy/defense/276832-senators-ask-obama-toinvestigate-pentagons-sexual-assault-comments
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs. “Air Force report on sexual assault highlights program's
progress,” Air Force News, May 05, 2016, at http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/Article/752653/air-force-report-on-sexual-assault-highlights-programs-progress/
Congressional Research Service
27
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Tilghman, Andrew. “Military sex assault: Just 4 percent of complaints result in convictions,”
Military Times, May 5, 2016, at https://www.militarytimes.com/veterans/2016/05/05/military-sexassault-just-4-percent-of-complaints-result-in-convictions/
Montgomery, Nancy. “US Military Court Addresses 'Incapable of Consent' to Sex Issue,” Stars
and Stripes, May 18, 2016, at http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/18/us-military-courtaddresses-incapable-of-consent-to-sex-issue.html
Losey, Stephen. “Military must do right by wrongly-discharged sexual assault victims, advocates
say,” Air Force Times, May 19, 2016, at https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-airforce/2016/05/19/military-must-do-right-by-wrongly-discharged-sexual-assault-victimsadvocates-say/
Lyle, Amaani. “DoD Safe Helpline Offers Specialized Support to Sexual Assault Victims,” DOD
News, July 15, 2016, at https://dod.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/841166/dod-safe-helplineoffers-specialized-support-to-sexual-assault-victims/
Rein, Lisa. “Merchant Marine Academy under fire for sexual assault allegations,” Stars and
Stripes, August 12, 2016, at https://www.stripes.com/news/us/merchant-marine-academy-underfire-for-sexual-assault-allegations-1.423595
Lyle, Amaani. “DoD Unveils Plan to Broaden Sexual Assault Support to Men,” DOD News,
Defense Media Activity, December 15, 2016, at
https://www.defense.gov/News/Article/Article/1030795/dod-unveils-plan-to-broaden-sexualassault-support-to-men/
Scholarly Journals, Reports and Studies (non-government)
The following sources are listed in alphabetical order by author.
Burgess, Ann W., Donna M. Slattery, and Patricia A. Herlihy. “Military Sexual Trauma: A Silent
Syndrome.” Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services 51, no. 2 (2013): 20-6.
D'Ambrosio-Woodward, Tricia. “Military Sexual Assault: A Comparative Legal Analysis of the
2012 Department of Defense Report on Sexual Assault in the Military: What It Tells Us, What It
Doesn't Tell Us, and How Inconsistent Statistic Gathering Inhibits Winning the ‘Invisible War.’”
Wisconsin Journal of Law, Gender & Society 29, no. 2 (2014): 173-211.
Farris, Coreen, Terry L. Schell and Terri Tanielian. Physical and Psychological Health Following
Military Sexual Assault: Recommendations for Care, Research, and Policy. Santa Monica, CA:
RAND Corporation, 2013. http://www.rand.org/pubs/occasional_papers/OP382
Firestone, Juanita M., J. M. Miller, and Richard Harris. “Implications for Criminal Justice from
the 2002 and 2006 Department of Defense Gender Relations and Sexual Harassment Surveys.”
American Journal of Criminal Justice: AJCJ 37, no. 3 (2012): 432-451.
Gibson, Carolyn J., Kristen E. Gray, Jodie G. Katon, Tracy L. Simpson, and Keren Lehavot.
“Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and Physical Victimization during Military Service across
Age Cohorts of Women Veterans.” Women’s Health Issues 26, no. 2 (2016): 225-231.
Harrell, Margaret C., Laura Werber, Marisa Adelson, Sarah J. Gaillot, Charlotte Lynch and
Amanda Pomeroy. A Compendium of Sexual Assault Research. Santa Monica, CA: RAND
Corporation, 2009. http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR617
Holland, Kathryn, Rabelo, Verónica, and Cortina, Lilia. Sexual Assault Training in the Military:
Evaluating Efforts to End the 'Invisible War.' American Journal of Community Psychology 54, no.
3/4 (2014): 289-303.
Congressional Research Service
28
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
Morral, Andrew R., Kristie Gore, and Terry L. Schell. Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in
the U.S. Military, Volume 1. Design of the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study. Santa Monica,
CA: RAND Corporation, National Defense Research Institute, 2014.
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9841.html
Morral, Andrew R., Kristie Gore, and Terry L. Schell. Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment in
the U.S. military: Volume 2. Estimates for Department of Defense Service members from the 2014
RAND Military Workplace Study. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, National Defense
Research Institute, 2015. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR870z2-1.html
O’Brien, Carol, Jessica Keith, and Lisa Shoemaker. “Don’t Tell: Military Culture and Male
Rape.” Psychological Services 12, no. 4 (2015): 357-365.
Stander, Valeria A. and Cynthia J. Thomsen. “Sexual Harassment and Assault in the U.S.
Military: A Review of Policy and Research Trends.” AMSUS Military Medicine (Association of
Military Surgeons of the United States) 181, no. 1S (2016): 20-27.
House and Senate Hearings
This chronological list of hearings was compiled from Congress.gov and CQ.com.
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, A Review of Sexual Misconduct by Basic
Training Instructors at Lackland Air Force Base, 113th Cong., 1st sess., January 23, 2013,
H.A.S.C. No. 113-2 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for 2014, Part 1, 113th Cong., 1st sess., February 26, 2013 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Personnel, Testimony on
Sexual Assault in the Military, 113th Cong., 1st sess., March 13, 2013, S. Hrg. 113-303
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014, 113th Cong., 1st sess., April 17, 2013 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for 2014, Part 2, 113th Cong., 1st sess., April 24, 2013 (Washington, DC:
GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014, 113th Cong., 1st sess., April 24, 2013 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, President Obama’s
Fiscal 2014 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, 113th Cong., 1st sess., May 7,
2013 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Department of Defense Authorization for
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014 and the Future Years Defense Program, 113th Cong., 1st
sess., May 7, 2013 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, President Obama’s
Fiscal 2014 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Army, 113th Cong., 1st sess., May 8, 2013. (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2013).
Congressional Research Service
29
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, President Obama’s
Fiscal 2014 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Air Force, 113th Cong., 1st sess., May 8, 2013
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, President Obama’s
Fiscal 2014 Budget Proposal for the U.S. Air Force, 113th Cong., 1st sess., May 9, 2013
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014, 113th Cong., 1st sess., May 22, 2013 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Pending Legislation Regarding Sexual
Assaults in the Military, 113th Cong., 1st sess., June 4, 2013, S. Hrg. 113–320 (Washington, DC:
GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Personnel, Markup of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014, 113th Cong., 1st sess., June 11, 2013
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2014, 113th Cong., 1st sess., June 11, 2013 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel, Women
in Service Reviews, 113th Cong., 1st sess., July 24, 2013, H.A.S.C. No. 113–50 (Washington, DC:
GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Personnel, The
Relationships Between Military Sexual Assault, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide, and
on Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Treatment and
Management of Victims of Sexual Trauma, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., February 26, 2014, S. Hrg. 113480 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Armed Services Committee, Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization
Budget Request from the Department of Defense, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., March 6, 2014
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Navy, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., March 12,
2014 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for 2015, Part 1, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., March 13, 2014 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Air Force, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., March
14, 2014 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request from the Department of the Army, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., March 25,
2014 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for 2015, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., March 26, 2014 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2014).
Congressional Research Service
30
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
U.S. Congress, House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee, Department of Defense
Appropriations for 2015, Part 2, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., April 2, 2014, (Washington, DC: GPO,
2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for 2015, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., April 2, 2014 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2014).
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, National Defense Priorities from the Members
for the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., April 9, 2014
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., April 9, 2014 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2015, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., April 30, 2014 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Defense, Department of
Defense Appropriations for 2015, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., June 18, 2014 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2014).
114th Congress
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Department of Defense Authorization for
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 and the Future Years Defense Program, Part 1, 114th Cong.,
1st sess., March 3, 10, 12, 18, 19, 26, April 4, 30, 2015 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services, Department of Defense Authorization for Appropriations
for Fiscal Year 2016 and the Future Years Defense Program, Part 7 Strategic Forces, 114th
Cong., 1st sess., March 4, 25, April 15, 22, 29, 2015 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Department of Defense Authorization for
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2016 and the Future Years Defense Program, Part 3 Readiness
and Management Support, 114th Cong., 1st sess., March 11, 25, April 22, 2015 (Washington, DC:
GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, The Current State of Readiness of U.S. Forces
in Review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2016 and the Future Years
Defense Program, 114th Cong., 1st sess., March 25, 2015 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Department of Defense Authorization for
Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2017 and the Future Years Defense Program, Part 1, 114th Cong.,
2nd sess., February 11, 23, March 3, 10, 15, 17, April 5, 7, 26, 2016 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2016).
U.S. Congress, House Armed Services Committee, The Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense
Authorization Budget Request from the Department of Defense, 114th Cong., 2nd sess., March 22,
2016 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2016).
U.S. Congress, Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, The
Current State of Research, Diagnosis, and Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and
Traumatic Brain Injury, 114th Cong., 2nd sess., April 20, 2016 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2016).
Congressional Research Service
31
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
House and Senate Reports
113th Congress
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Services, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2014 on H.R.1960 with Additional and Dissenting Views, 113th Cong., 1st sess., H.
Rept. 113-102 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2014 to Accompany H.R. 2397 together with Additional Views, 113th Cong., 1st sess., H. Rept.
113-113 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Armed Services, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2014 to accompany S. 1197, 113th Cong., 1st sess., S. Rept. 113-44 (Washington, DC:
GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2014 to accompany S.1429, 113th Cong., 1st sess., S. Rept. 113-85 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Services, First Annual Report on the Activities of the
Committee on Armed Services for the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, 113th Cong., 1st sess., H.
Rept. 113-309 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2013).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Services, Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 to accompany H.R.4435, 113th Cong, 2nd sess., H.
Rept. 113-446 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Services, Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 supplemental report to accompany H.R.4435,
113th Cong. 2nd sess., H. Rept. 113-446 part 2 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Armed Services, Carl Levin National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2015 to accompany S.2410, 113th Cong, 2nd sess., S. Rept. 113-176
(Washington, DC: GPO, 2014).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2015 to accompany H.R.4870, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., H. Rept. 113-473 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2014).
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2015 to accompany H.R.4870, 113th Cong., 2nd sess., S. Rept. 113-211 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2014).
114th Congress
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Service, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 to accompany H.R.1735, 114th Cong., 1st sess., H. Rept. 114-102 (Washington,
DC: GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Armed Services, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 to accompany S.1376, 114th Cong., 1st sess., S. Rept. 114-49 (Washington, DC:
GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2016 to accompany H.R.2685, 114th Cong., 1st sess., H. Rept. 114-139 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2015).
Congressional Research Service
32
Military Sexual Assault: Chronology
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2016 to accompany S.1558, 114th Cong., 1st sess., S. Rept. 114-63 (Washington, DC: GPO, 2015).
U.S. Congress, House Conference Report, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2016 to accompany H.R.1735, 114th Cong., 1st sess., H. Rept. 114-270 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2015).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Armed Services, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2017 on H.R.4909, 114th Cong., 2nd sess., H. Rept. 114-537 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2016).
U.S. Congress, Committee on Armed Services, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2017 to accompany S.2943, 114th Cong, 2nd sess., S. Rept. 114-255 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2016).
U.S. Congress, House Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2017 to accompany H.R.5293, 114th Cong., 2nd sess., H. Rept. 114-577 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2016).
U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Department of Defense Appropriations Bill,
2017 to accompany S.3000, 114th Cong., 2nd sess., S. Rept. 114-263 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2016).
U.S. Congress, House Conference Report, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2017 to accompany S. 2943, 114th Cong, 2nd sess., H. Rept. 114-840 (Washington, DC: GPO,
2016).
Author Contact Information
Barbara Salazar Torreon
Information Research Specialist
[redacted]@crs.loc.gov
, 7-....
Congressional Research Service
Carla Y. Davis-Castro
Research Librarian
[redacted]@crs.loc.gov , 7-....
R43168 · VERSION 4 · UPDATED
33
EveryCRSReport.com
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a federal legislative branch agency, housed inside the
Library of Congress, charged with providing the United States Congress non-partisan advice on
issues that may come before Congress.
EveryCRSReport.com republishes CRS reports that are available to all Congressional staff. The
reports are not classified, and Members of Congress routinely make individual reports available to
the public.
Prior to our republication, we redacted phone numbers and email addresses of analysts who
produced the reports. We also added this page to the report. We have not intentionally made any
other changes to any report published on EveryCRSReport.com.
CRS reports, as a work of the United States government, are not subject to copyright protection in
the United States. Any CRS report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without
permission from CRS. However, as a CRS report may include copyrighted images or material from a
third party, you may need to obtain permission of the copyright holder if you wish to copy or
otherwise use copyrighted material.
Information in a CRS report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public
understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to members of Congress in
connection with CRS' institutional role.
EveryCRSReport.com is not a government website and is not affiliated with CRS. We do not claim
copyright on any CRS report we have republished.
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.