Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

We are here this morning with our colleagues from the Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs to discuss issues surrounding Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

Sexual assault and harassment is unacceptable in any sector of American society and is a particularly serious matter in our military and veteran populations.

Because it occurs in a hierarchical and highly stressed environment, the negative physical and psychological effects of MST can be intensified and make one more likely to develop a mental health condition. The most common mental health condition observed among those veterans who report MST is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It is particularly troubling to me that a servicemember who is a victim of sexual assault is often hesitant to disclose their experience because they fear negative social stigma, peer pressure, and risking their career.

It is encouraging that VA has come a long way since initially establishing a program to provide MST treatment in the 1990’s. In 2003, VA began screening every patient seeking health care at a VA facility for MST and providing those who disclose it with free, confidential treatment and counseling. To receive such care, a veteran does not need to be service-connected, have reported the incident previously, or have documented that it occurred.

Additionally, each VA facility has a designated MST point of contact, coordinated through VA’s national MST Support Team. With the recently enacted Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act, Congress mandated sexual trauma training and certification for VA mental health providers to ensure proper provision of the supportive services veterans with MST experience need and deserve.

VA’s universal screening program is a good model to promote early detection and increase access to mental health care. However, there is still a great need to promote and develop effective therapies and conduct research to help us learn more about how to successfully treat veterans who experienced MST.

When the men and women of our Armed Forces devote their time in service to our country, they knowingly accept the threat of danger from America’s enemies. But what they should never have to accept is the threat of sexual trauma from their fellow servicemembers.

I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on how we can all do a better job of combating MST and supporting the healing of those who have tragically experienced it. I thank you all for being here for this difficult and important conversation.

Most importantly, I hope that any service member or veteran with MST who may be listening today will be encouraged to report their experiences and seek help at their local VA.I yield back the balance of my time.