Common Defense Applauds Biden’s Executive Order on Military Sexual Assault

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 28, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT

Jacob Thomas, Communications Director | jacob@commondefense.us 

WASHINGTON – Today, Friday, July 28, the White House announced a new executive order which was the final step in a process begun by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s 2021 legislation to overhaul the military justice system. The main thrust of this law takes the power to prosecute sexual assault and harassment away from the military chain of command and instead puts it in the hands of special prosecutors. Common Defense has long advocated for changes to how the military justice system handles these types of crimes, which too often results in the victim being punished and the perpetrator getting a slap on the wrist.

Common Defense's Organizing Director, Joanna Sweatt, a Marine Corps veteran, released the following statement: 

"This is a victory long overdue. That broken 19-year-old Marine I was during my first military sexual assault finally feels heard, valued, and vindicated to some degree because I can rest better knowing that the women and men who serve today and in the future will be protected. President Biden honored his word by taking executive action on an issue that has languished in Congress for too long. That is true definitive leadership from the Commander-in-Chief! I am especially grateful to all the women who came out of the shadows to share their stories, and I personally want to celebrate Sen. Gillibrand for her fierce leadership and unwavering dedication to not just seeking justice but to initiating the complete dissection of the military justice system and how flawed it truly was for the victims. I honor Vanessa Guillén, LaVena Johnson, Ana Basalduaruiz, Brandon Caserta, and the countless other victims of military bullying, violence, and sexual assault. Turning the tides of power in this way will help to eradicate the toxic culture of violence, misogyny, and rape. These reforms will ensure a stronger, mightier military force because troops like me will be better cared for while serving in the institution we all love."

As we react to this news, we reaffirm our commitment to standing against all forms of injustice and upholding the values we swore to protect as veterans. The pursuit of truth and justice, irrespective of an individual's political status, is essential in maintaining the integrity of our nation.