Uniform Code of Military Justice Amended Following Review Commission on Sexual Assault in Military

Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) May 12, 2022 – An Executive Order (EO) was recently signed amending the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The EO strengthens the military system’s response to gender-based violence. The new EO results from recommendations put forth by the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military (IRC).The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 2022 includes several key elements of the I Am Vanessa Guillén Act in honor of Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén. She suffered severe sexual harassment and was later murdered.

Sexual harassment is experienced by 25 percent of active-duty women each year. It is now a specific offense. It also strengthens the military justice response to prosecuting domestic violence. It criminalizes the distribution of intimate pictures and enhances the power of prosecutors to go after service members using words and non-violent actions to make other troops feel unsafe.

The RAND Corporation released statistics indicating that 1,600 formal and informal sexual assault complaints were investigated and processed in 2018. However, a survey of active-duty service members carried out by the DoD in 2018 discovered that approximately 119,000 members suffered sexual assault.
Earlier revisions to the NDAA also shifted legal decisions from commanders to specialized, independent prosecutors to deal with sexual assault, domestic violence, and other significant crimes. “This is another turning point for military sexual assault survivors,” indicated James Fausone, Michigan veteran’s attorney and Legal Help for Veterans PLLC founder.

“Getting veterans, the support they need and deserve needs to be a priority,” said Fausone.“If you have run into difficulties seeking veteran’s benefits, Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC is a nationwide VA Disability law firm that assists veterans and their family members in all federal VA benefit matters,” added Fausone.

Legal Help for Veterans PLLC has a national practice representing veterans from across the country. They have helped veterans collect over $30,000,000 annually in future and retroactive benefits.

Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC 41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101 Northville, MI 48168 Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800