This House resolution expresses support for “Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day” observed on September 25, 2025. It defines military sexual trauma (MST) as sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. The resolution cites research saying about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST while serving. It describes possible long-term effects such as higher risk of PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, physical health problems, and increased suicide risk. The text notes that people in marginalized groups may face added barriers to care, and that survivors often feel unsupported or retraumatized when seeking help. The resolution says MST can affect families and military readiness. It calls for prevention efforts (training, a culture of zero tolerance, stronger reporting and support), encourages the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to expand and publicize MST-related services, promotes transparency and accountability in handling MST cases, and affirms work toward addressing root causes and eradicating MST.
If you are a service member, veteran, or family member, this resolution signals congressional support for recognizing MST and for efforts to improve care and reporting. It asks the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to expand access to MST-related services and make them easier to find. It also calls for more training, clearer reporting options, and steps to reduce stigma and retaliation.
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The resolution’s sponsors express support for survivors and say survivors should get high-quality, compassionate care. They emphasize breaking stigma, improving support systems for survivors and their families, expanding access to services, making services more visible and accessible, promoting transparency and accountability in case handling, and addressing root causes to prevent and ultimately eradicate MST.
No publicly available information.