Bill > SJR34

Introduced Session

This joint resolution establishes the month of April of each year as "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month" to raise awareness of sexual violence in the military, recognize the struggles of active service members and veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST), and strengthen New Jersey's commitment to combat sexual violence. MST refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), one in three female veterans and one in 50 male veterans report having experienced MST. A survey conducted by the Department of Defense (DOD) supplemented these findings. In FY 2021, the DOD received its highest number of sexual assault reports on record with one in five active duty service members having experienced MST. In reality, the DOD estimates that the prevalence rate of MST may be higher, citing concerns over underreporting due to a lack of trust in the sexual assault report process. Those who have experienced MST are at an increased risk of developing adverse health conditions, namely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. A 2022 study conducted by the RAND Corporation found that mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression were strongly associated with higher levels of absenteeism from duty and greater occupational impairment. As a result, MST compromises both the personal wellbeing of active service members and veterans and the overall quality of military performance. New Jersey has an active duty population of 6,461 and a veteran population of 350,538. Many of these individuals might have experienced military sexual trauma. Currently, April serves as National Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month (SAAPM). However, there is no official month to recognize the struggle against or raise awareness of sexual violence in the military. In recognition of New Jersey's active duty and veteran communities who may have experienced MST, this joint resolution establishes April of each year as "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month."

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Kristin Corrado (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/09/2024)

Official Document