Congressman Deutch (FL-21) has cosponsored H.R. 1593, the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention (STOP) Act.

H.R. 1593 would create a new autonomous Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office comprised of civilian and military personnel to report, oversee, and investigate sexual assaults in the military. The bill would also establish a Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Council to review cases of sexual-related offenses, and determine if the case should be referred to higher courts. The Office would create protocols, with the Council’s advice, for taking future sexual assault reports out of the military chain of command.

In 2012, only 13.5% of incidents of sexual assault in the military were reported. Taking these responsibilities out of the hands of the military will guarantee that all situations and reports are equally and properly investigated. H.R. 1593 can help the victims of sexual assault and deter future crimes from taking place within the Armed Forces.

To read more about H.R. 1593, click here.