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Rep. Jackie Speier Highlights Military Sexual Assault On The House Floor

04/07/11-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
Two months ago, a federal lawsuit was filed by Burke, PLLC on behalf of 16 military rape survivors. After that, things at the Service Women’s Action Network or SWAN was contacted by US Representative Jackie Speier. She wanted to know why sexual assault was so pervasive in the military and she wanted to do something very real to help survivors.

According to SWAN’s Executive Director Anu Bhagwati:

After sitting with us, she enthusiastically offered to give a weekly speech about the military rape crisis on the House Floor. I handed her my personal copy of the lawsuit, saying that there would be nothing more persuasive or compelling than sharing the horrific sacrifices made by these 16 courageous servicemembers and veterans.

Yesterday, Rep Speier gave her first of a series of speeches on the House Floor to hold her colleagues in Congress accountable for fixing this crisis. It is one of the most powerful public declarations of how little our military and congressional leadership have done when it comes to protecting our nation’s finest. Rep Speier is a true warrior, and we thank her for her service.

The following video contains highly graphic content that may be triggering or re-traumatizing for survivors or viewers. Viewer caution is advised:

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