USA Today: Senators seek to protect military sex assault victims

USA Today reports:

The issue of sexual assault in the military seized public attention earlier this year after a Pentagon report showed a 30% spike in reports of unwanted sexual contact among troops from 2010 to 2012. Several high-profile sexual assault-related incidents coincided with the announcement, including an Air Force commander tossing out the rape conviction of a subordinate. Sexual assault in the ranks had become a “crisis,” according to top military brass.

Congress has intervened, calling the chiefs of the services to Capitol Hill to explain their response. In turn, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has started initiatives that include re-screening of military sexual assault counselors and victims advocates.

A proposal by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., would remove decisions about the prosecution of sex crimes from military commanders and place them in the hands of trained military lawyers. Boxer supports the measure, but less comprehensive changes have the backing of Senate leaders.

“The current system is a disaster,” Boxer said.

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