U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison Introduces Bill to Improve VA Sexual Assault Response
1 in 3 female veterans report sexual assault or sexual harassment
Rep. Morrison’s bill will strengthen the VA’s guidance for treating veterans seeking care following sexual assault ensuring that veteran survivors of sexual assault are protected and cared for
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Kelly Morrison (MN-03) introduced the VA SAFE Care Act, which would equip VA medical facilities with the appropriate tools to support and care for veterans that have experienced sexual assault. 1 in 3 female veterans, and 1 in 50 male veterans, have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment.
“Our veterans have put their lives on the line for our country, and their safety and security is paramount,” said Congresswoman Kelly Morrison. “It is completely unacceptable that so many of our service members have experienced sexual assault. We must make sure that we have the proper resources and guidelines to care for those who have sacrificed so much for us – which is why I’m proud to introduce the VA SAFE Care Act.”
Representative Morrison is a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and a doctor who spent part of her training caring for veterans at a VA medical center.
The VA SAFE Care Act is a tailored approach to requiring VA to strengthen its guidance for delivering care to veterans impacted by sexual assault by:
- Strengthening referral processes to community providers for facilities without a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) on staff
- Making sure facilities with SANEs have a supply of rape kits
- Making sure veterans receive prophylaxes for STDs or pregnancy when indicated
- Improving mental health and law enforcement referrals
- Improving training for appropriate clinical providers and VA police
During her time in Congress, Representative Morrison has been fiercely dedicated to improving the lives and care of veterans, including:
- Passing legislation to improve veteran mental health care and prevent suicide
- Demanding answers from the Department of Veterans Affairs after learning that every VA medical center in America is understaffed
- Leading the effort to protect reproductive health care for veterans
- Creating a veterans advisory council made up of veterans and community leaders from Minnesota’s Third District
Read the full text of the bill HERE.
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