Huffington Post: Who Will Stand With Military Sexual Assault Survivors When It Counts This Week?
Paul Rieckhoff, Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America write for the Huffington Post:
While this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes some much-needed reforms to strength prevention efforts and new initiatives to support victims of sexual assault, it does not do enough to address the military justice system. Survivors have shown tremendous courage in telling their stories. Now it’s time for the Senate to show courage and pass the Military Justice Improvement Act.
The Military Justice Improvement Act, sponsored by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, would give experienced military prosecutors the authority to determine whether a case involving a serious crime should go to a court martial. This single decision will result in a more impartial justice system and assure both victims and the accused that their cases will get fair consideration based solely on the evidence of the case.
