Serving in the U.S. military comes with many occupational hazards, and because of this, the American government is provided with certain legal protections. We can’t have the government wrapped up in legal cases every time someone's injured due to combat or passes away. Although tragic, it’s a major part of the job. However, these protections have found themselves broadly overreaching and hindering justice for many troops who are also sexual assault survivors. Now, a new bill is aiming to provide restitution for Veterans with retroactive benefits to those victimized in a place they should be protected. Suggested read:Air Force Launches New Pilot for Victims of Sexual Assault in the Military

Should Military Sexual Assault Survivors Be Able To Sue?

The Veteran Restitution and Justice Act

A bill that's making its way through the U.S. House of Representatives known as the Veteran Restitution and Justice Act is looking to right some of the wrongs military members have faced as a result of sexual violence while serving. Proposed by Representatives Don Bacon (R-Neb) and Salud Carbajal (D-Calif), this bipartisan bill aims to provide disability benefits to Veterans who have suffered from military sexual misconduct. One of the key points of the bill includes the ability for Veterans to retroactively receive benefits starting on the date a member exits the U.S. military instead of the date they submit a claim. Veterans' restitution and seeking justice for all sexual assault survivors within the military community are efforts that help improve the U.S. military, correct previous wrongs, and assist heroes who deserve our respect and support. Related read:Explore Resources for Women Vets on National Women's Equality Day

How To Support Sexual Assault Survivors

a poison in the system, the epidemic of military sexual assault continues to affect many who serve, including nearly 25% of service women. Complications in reporting, seeking justice, and the military justice system only exacerbate this unfortunate issue. But as a community, we can help support those surviving sexual assault in the military or from any other walk of life.

• Communication is key, but so too is controlling your emotions. You’ll want to speak with the survivor from a place of calmness and clarity.
• Listen and support, but don’t tell them what to do. Being there is important, but it’s also important for a sexual assault survivor to decide how to handle the aftermath of such situations on their own.
• Believe victims and be supportive in reassuring them that this senseless act of violence wasn’t their fault.
• Allow sexual assault victims to tell their stories to whomever they wish in their own time. In the meantime, be there for them and avoid threatening their attacker or saying anything that could be a betrayal of trust or an invasion of privacy.
• If you feel as if you, too, need support, be sure to reach out to professionals. While sexual assault is traumatizing first and foremost to the victim, this is a crime that affects multiple people, including those who are there for them when support is needed the most.

For a comprehensive list of ways to support, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) has provided a guide for friends and family members of sexual violence survivors. The life of sexual assault survivors leaving the military is filled with a variety of hurdles, but there are resources available. Additionally, it’s encouraging to see that efforts are being made to provide Veterans with the benefits they deserve due to their suffering and injustice. Read next:Military Sexual Assault Victims Skyrocket; What's the DoD Doing?

Image: Lucy Nicholson/Reuters