MEASURE TO STRENGTHEN MAINE LAWS ON MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT RECEIVES UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FROM COMMITTEE

Bill sponsored by Senator Valentino directs Adjutant General to conduct an assessment of the Maine Code of Military Justice

AUGUSTA-This morning, the state’s Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee unanimously approved a measure sponsored by Senator Linda Valentino (D-Saco) to address military sexual assault.

“No matter where it occurs, sexual assault must not be tolerated,” said Senator Valentino. “We owe a great debt to our servicemen and women who make sacrifices every day to protect our freedom and well-being. We must ensure we have laws and policies in place to properly address sexual violence in the military.”

The resolve directs the Adjutant General of Maine to conduct an assessment of Maine’s Military Code of Criminal Justice, and other associated Maine law, to ensure these laws are comparable to federal laws for adequate investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of sexual assault by members of the Maine National Guard, and appropriate treatment of Maine National Guard members who are survivors of sexual assault.

At the public hearing, Retired Lt. Col.l Terry Moore testified in support of the measure. “The question today is what laws are or are not in place to address Guard members, and how can we better adjudicate criminal sexual offenses to ensure survivors receive support services,” said Lt. Col. Moore. “There is a lot of ‘gray area’ that has historically created a significant lack of trust and confidence in the handling of these allegations.”

A 2012 U.S. Department of Defense report on sexual trauma in the military found that there is a rate of three sexual assaults per hour in the military. Underreporting of sexual assault is exacerbated in the military. The DoD estimates that fewer than 15% of survivors reported their assaults in 2010.

Senator Colleen Lachowicz (D-Waterville), a social worker who has worked with survivors of sexual trauma, also testified in support of the measure. “I am glad to be a cosponsor of this resolve,” said Senator Lachowicz. “The trauma associated with sexual assault can be long-standing and painful to survivors and their families. This measure is a good first step towards making it safer for survivors to report and recover from their trauma, and preventing future assaults.”

Brigadier General James Campbell, Adjutant General, and Eliza Townsend, Executive Director of the Maine Women’s Lobby, also testified in support of the measure. No one testified against the resolve.

The resolve, LD 1504, Resolve, Directing the Adjutant General of the State To Ensure the Maine Code of Military Justice Addresses Sexual Trauma in the Military, will now be sent to the Senate and House for more votes.

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