HRES 770119th CongressIn Committee

Expressing support for "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day".

Introduced: Sep 26, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Houlahan, Chrissy [D-PA-6] (D-Pennsylvania)

Veterans Affairs

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This resolution expresses support for "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day" (observed on September 25, 2025) and acknowledges the serious impact of sexual assault and harassment experienced by service members during their military service. The resolution recognizes that military sexual trauma (MST) affects approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men in the Armed Forces and can lead to severe long-term consequences including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and increased suicide risk. It commits the House of Representatives to supporting survivors, reducing stigma, and working with the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to improve prevention efforts, expand access to care, and ensure accountability in handling MST cases.

Key Points

1Formally recognizes September 25, 2025, as "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day" and expresses House support for this observance
2Acknowledges that MST affects both men and women across active duty, Reserve, and National Guard components, with particularly high rates among women service members
3Recognizes that marginalized and minority groups face additional barriers to accessing MST-related care and support
4Commits to breaking the stigma surrounding MST and improving support systems for survivors and their families
5Calls for the Department of Defense to intensify prevention efforts through comprehensive training, zero-tolerance culture, and strengthened reporting mechanisms

Impact Areas

Military Service Members: Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard members who have experienced or may experience sexual trauma during serviceVeterans: Former service members seeking MST-related care and support through the Department of Veterans AffairsMilitary Families: Family members and friends of MST survivors who are also affected by the trauma and its consequencesMilitary Readiness: Overall force effectiveness and unit cohesion impacted by MST incidents and their aftermathDepartment of Defense and VA: Federal agencies tasked with implementing prevention programs, providing care, and ensuring accountability

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