Durbin Discusses Sexual Assault Prevention In The Military With Army Reserve Chief Lieutenant General Daniels
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met virtually with Army Reserve Chief Lieutenant General Jody J. Daniels to receive an update on the ongoing investigation into the mishandling of sexual assault allegations at the 416th Theater Engineering Command (TEC) and improving support for assault victims, protection against reprisal for whistleblowers, and accountability for Command leaders. On the call, Durbin and Lieutenant General Daniels also discussed the Army’s recent reform efforts to address and prevent sexual assault and harassment.
“I’m appreciative of the update that Lieutenant General Daniels provided me about the investigation into the inappropriate handling of assault allegations at the 416th Theater Engineering Command,” said Durbin. “While I’m encouraged by the new assault prevention and harassment policy reforms happening within the military, it’s clear we need to do more to protect victims and ensure due justice.”
A photo of the meeting is available here.
Last year, Durbin called for a comprehensive review of the troubling allegations of mishandling sexual assault claims by the 416th TEC. The letter also called for a review into any allegations within the 416th TEC of reprisal against service member victims of sexual assault or harassment, Sexual Assault Response Coordinators, or Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates.
Durbin is a cosponsor of the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, which would remove the decision to prosecute sexual assaults from the chain of command to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors.
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