Military Justice Improvement Act Sign-On Letter

The Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA) joined other state sexual assault coalitions and the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) in support of ending sexual violence within the military.  Please see our letter below. January 21, 2014 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC  20500 Dear President Obama: The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV) represents 56 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions and 1300 local rape crisis centers working to end sexual violence and support survivors.  NAESV appreciates the Administration’s commitment to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, recommend increased funding for programs that support victims of sexual violence and enhance prevention programs, and to specifically urge the Department of Defense to end sexual assault. NAESV commends the Administration for taking executive action and for supporting Congress’ package of 36 provisions in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act to address the problem of sexual assault. Establishing special victims’ counsel programs in all of the branches of the Armed Services is an especially vital component of the multifaceted approach needed to thoroughly address military sexual assault. However, NAESV also supports the Military Justice Improvement Act (MJIA) introduced by Senator Gillibrand to remove the prosecution of sexual assaults from the chain of command. NAESV is convinced that utilizing independent, specially trained prosecutors to pursue serious crimes, including sexual assault, is the essential next step in reducing retaliation, increasing reporting, and responding to the expressed concerns and needs of victims. NAESV also supports additional efforts by Senator McCaskill to protect and empower victims, leading to increased reporting and prosecutions. Victims cannot wait another year until the Department of Defense reports back to you on December 1, 2014. Congress needs to enact these changes now. NAESV respectfully asks that you stand with victims by publicly supporting the MJIA and make certain that our troops are military-ready and our soldiers are not facing sexual violence from within our own Armed Services. Survivors cannot wait. Sexual violence is an endemic and epidemic social problem in our nation. The victim blaming attitudes of the civilian world carry into military service, and those attitudes carry over into tours of duty. The military has embraced the role of being a standard bearer of discipline, honorable action and integrity. An opportunity exists to change culture, cultivate new attitudes, and alter behaviors and responses in the military that will eliminate sexual violence. Your leadership is essential to ensure that these critical next steps are taken now. Sincerely, Monika Johnson Hostler President Cc:       Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to the President Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women