Monday May 25, 2009, 3:07 am
Pass the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act

Targeting: Members of the U.S. Senate and Members of the U.S. House of Representatives

The Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act (H.R. 840) would reduce sexual assault and domestic violence involving members of the Armed Forces and their family members and partners through enhanced programs of prevention and deterrence, enhanced programs of victims services, and strengthened provisions for prosecution of assailants.

Reports of sexual assault among U.S. troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan rose 26 percent from 2008, according to an annual Pentagon report presented to Congress in March. Among all active duty U.S. military troops, the Pentagon showed an increase of about 8 percent in sexual assault reports from the previous year.

Kim Gandy from NOW published a compelling piece about the re-emergence of the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act (H.R.840), which would enhance programs of prevention and deterrence, improve victims' services and strengthen provisions for prosecution of assailants. Here is what she had to say:

"This change in culture needs to come from the top. It should come from Commander in Chief Barack Obama, who needs to insist on real accountability to end sexual violence and rape in the military. President Obama must gather his generals and admirals and commanders and work out a way to end this treachery in our ranks. Let him say, 'Our servicewomen deserve better. And that's an order!"

This bill needs Republican support, as well as the existing Democratic sponsorship. We need this to pass in the House and for similar legislation to be proposed in the Senate.

We need not only to support our service men and women with supplies and ammunition, but also the means to deal with rape and sexual assault.

Monday May 25, 2009, 3:24 am
Signed,#218. Thanks Tom.

Thank you for signing the petition "Pass the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act"

Monday May 25, 2009, 9:32 am
Noted and signed: Thank you for signing the petition "Pass the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Act." I was signer #226 and the goal is 500, so we are well on our way. Thank you, Tom!

Monday May 25, 2009, 3:46 pm
pledged, signed and noted TY Tom!

Monday May 25, 2009, 8:23 pm
Noted and signed. Thanks Tom.

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 5:48 am
noted

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 9:03 am
noted, already signed.

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 9:45 am
Signed and noted. Thanks Tom

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 10:45 am
noted & signer #238

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 5:37 pm
Signed May 13th
Tz Tom :-)

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 6:17 pm
This is one of those things that should not even be a question!

Tuesday May 26, 2009, 6:43 pm
Signed Thanks tom

Wednesday May 27, 2009, 12:14 am
Noted & signed. Thanks

Wednesday May 27, 2009, 2:26 pm
Noted and signed...thanks Tom

Thursday May 28, 2009, 10:31 am
Good one, Tom. Would like to sign but this petition only works for those inside the States. Peace in our Quest for Truth and protection against all sexual vilolence

Monday June 8, 2009, 8:39 am
Thank you for signing the petition "Pass the Military Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response ActThanks Tom