Hi, I'm Dr. Dan Benishek, Congressman for Michigan's First District.
Right now, America is facing an epidemic of sexual assaults in the military. In 2012, there was an estimated 26,000 sexual assaults. Only 3,400 were reported. That means 87% went unreported. This is a travesty that needs to be addressed now.
I've been a doctor for 30 years. I understand how intensely upsetting these terrible crimes can be. It's difficult for victims to feel safe when reporting these tragic incidents.
That's why I'm working with New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to offer a bipartisan plan that reforms the way the military handles sexual assault cases and makes sure victims aren't afraid to report a crime.
Our plan will allow sexual assault victims to report abuse to an experienced military attorney outside of the victim's normal chain of command.
My daughter is a military veteran so I know exactly the kind of hard-working women we have in our armed forces.
Both parties need to work together to get something done on this critical issue. As a doctor, I'm used to working with others to find solutions. There are no Democrats or Republicans in the operating room—only team work.
That's how it should be. And that's exactly what we are doing. Thank you.
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