Military Sexual Assault Prevention

The FY17 National Defense Authorization Act continues the vigorous oversight and protection of our troops from sexual assault.  The bill includes improvements to the Special Victims program.  These improvements include a requirement that victims be notified of their right to Special Victim’s Counsel prior to questioning by law enforcement, a requirement for DoD to establish minimum training standards and performance measures for Special Victims Counsel, and a requirement for DoD to enhance sexual assault prevention for male victims in the Armed Forces.  DoD is also required to develop a strategy to deal with retaliation against those who report or intervene on behalf of victims.