Award winning documentary examines problem of sexual assault in the military
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today met with Kirby Dick, the Director of the Academy Award-nominated film "The Invisible War" to discuss the issue of sexual assault in the military. The Invisible War is a documentary that explores the epidemic of sexual assault in the military through interviews with victims from each military branch. The two discussed the documentary and solutions to address this problem. Loebsack is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the bipartisan Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus. He has worked to address the problem of sexual assault in the military. A photo can be found here.
"I am disgusted by these crimes and the issue of sexual assault in the military has been pushed to the side for too long. As a military parent and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I refuse to let this issue continue to take a back seat. There should be no higher priority for the Pentagon than to combat this problem.
"I was pleased to be able to meet with Kirby and talk about his film. His documentary puts a face to the victims of sexual assault in the military who often times find themselves in the shadows with no one to turn to. The Invisible War is an important movie that will leave an impact on all who see it."
Loebsack authored a provision in the FY 2008 National Defense Authorization Act which required a review of the services and treatment available for victims of sexual assault and abuse throughout the military, including the National Guard. He also worked to include provisions signed into law as part of the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act which required the establishment of special victim units to provide victim support, investigatory capabilities, and prosecutorial expertise as well as an independent review of how sexual assaults are prosecuted under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Loebsack is a cosponsor of the BE SAFE Act which significantly strengthens measures to hold perpetrators accountable and to provide victims with the care and services they need. He is also a cosponsor of the Military Justice Improvement Act which would put the decision regarding whether to prosecute an assault case to prosecutors instead of commanders. In addition, he is a cosponsor the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention (STOP) Act, which creates an autonomous Sexual Assault Oversight and Response Office within the military to prosecute, report, and investigate sexual assault as well as to provide victim care and oversight.
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