WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) marked September 25 as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day by introducing a bipartisan resolution and hosting an event with the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Caucus Event, which she co-chairs. The resolution, H.Res.1510, underscores the urgent need to confront the issue of military sexual trauma (MST), which affects both women and men within the Armed Forces, and alarming statistics indicate that approximately one in three women and one in 50 men are impacted. Houlahan was joined by six of her colleagues in introducing this resolution: Representatives Young Kim (R-CA), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Chellie Pingree D-ME), and Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). 

“Sexual assault has no place in our armed forces. The burden of fear — of assault, harassment, or exploitation — should never be a part of military service. We must work together to create an atmosphere where all service members can serve without this dread," said Houlahan. "As a veteran who served in the military in the 1990s, I experienced firsthand the unique challenges many servicewomen face. I care deeply about this issue because everyone who puts on a uniform deserves to serve in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Bringing awareness is important, but this is the first step. We still have lots of work left to do."   

“Our service members are heroes who put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms we hold dear. We must do more to support those who have unfortunately faced military sexual trauma during their time in service,” said Kim. “I am proud to help introduce this resolution to shine light on military sexual trauma survivors as we work on bipartisan solutions to expand access to services, uplift survivors, and eradicate MST once and for all.” 

Houlahan marked Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day with Representatives Brownley, Budzinski, and Kim (L-R). 

At yesterday’s event, Houlahan and colleagues heard from representatives from the Department of Defense, Disabled Veterans of America, Minority Veterans of America, Wounded Warrior Project, a psychiatrist focused on MST and its impact on suicide rates, and a filmmaker showcasing a preview of her documentary on military members taking legal action against the military for sexual assault. These guests spoke about their experience and research as MST relates to mental and physical impacts, including PTSD and increased suicide risk for service members and veterans.  

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress. 

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