Speier Bill Would Revamp Military Justice for Rape

Josh Richman reports for Contra Costa Times on Protect Our Defenders Honorary Chair Rep. Jackie Speier:

“Victims of rape and sexual assault should not have to choose between career-ending retaliation and seeking judicial action against their attackers,” Speier said. “In 2011, only eight percent of sexual assailants were referred to courts martial, or military court, compared with 40 percent of similar offenders prosecuted in the civilian court system. If they believed that their perpetrator would be prosecuted, convicted, and punished, it would be worth it to come forward.”

Read the article.