Sexual assault in the military is up nearly 40%

We can't rely on the Pentagon to simply "do better" when it comes to sexual assault. It's time for Congress to act.

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Dear friends, We've known for years that the military has an egregious problem with sexual assault. Victims are intimidated to keep quiet or risk their careers. When they do come forward, perpetrators are often given no more than a slap on the wrist. Given all that, is it any wonder that sexual assault in the military is on the rise? A new survey from the Pentagon found that sexual assault increased by a staggering 38 percent in the last two years alone. Military leaders vowed to do better, but the last decade makes clear that that's not enough. We need Congress to step in and pass the Military Justice Improvement Act. This bill would change the way the military prosecutes sexual crimes to make it easier for victims to step forward — even when their assaulter is higher in rank — and also increases punishments so they're commensurate with the crime. Stopping sexual assault in the military has enough bipartisan support that this bill could pass. But Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has never let doing the right thing get in the way of his endless quest to obstruct the the ability to govern. Under his leadership, Republican Senators are filibustering the bill so it can't even come to a vote. It's clear that the only people they're willing to protect are the sexual predators. While Mitch McConnell is playing political games, women and men in uniform are being assaulted. We can't continue to let them suffer in the service of his callous and selfish priorities. Sign the petition to demand Mitch McConnell bring the Military Justice Improvement Act to the Senate floor for a vote. Thank you,   Emily V. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. Sexual assault is an epidemic in the military. Tell Senate Republicans to stop playing political games and vote on a bill that would help victims.