Joni Ernst
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is working to target military sexual assault through mandatory training on sexual assault prevention and appropriate social media usage under legislation she recently introduced.
In response to estimates that nearly 15,000 service members have experienced sexual assault, the Educating Servicemembers in Training On Prevention (E-STOP) Act would require comprehensive, in-person training for all military personnel before they enter basic training.
“Sexual assault and disgusting online activity will continue to plague our nation and our military until we take concrete steps forward to address this horrific issue and change the culture within our society,” Ernst, a combat veteran and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said. “This legislation gives the military an opportunity to lead by example, and it ensures they don’t create an ineffective computer-based teaching program to do it.”
The Department of Defense (DOD) would be directed to develop and implement sexual assault training that covers the appropriate use of social media for service members in the Delayed Entry Program, which is the first step for active duty enlistees before basic training.
“The military can help prevent sexual assaults and horrific online activity from happening in the first place by sitting down and talking with service members about what is right, and what is wrong,” Ernst said. “This is especially important for those just entering the service, and it is my hope that this reinforces that these acts will not be tolerated.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), who introduced the bill with Ernst, said the DOD’s sexual assault crime data and the “shameful” scandal involving cyber misconduct demonstrates that sexual assault in the military is “as pervasive as ever.”
“This bipartisan bill would help make sure that all new enlistees who are waiting to enter boot camp will be trained to identify and respond to sexual assault,” Gillibrand said. “This is an important step toward making sure our entire military has the education and training they need to fight back against sexual assault and harassment, including on social media, and I am proud to work with Senator Ernst to pass this bill.”