Lynne Bernabei Addresses Legislation Regarding Sexual Assault Victims in the Military

JUNE 5, 2013

On June 4, Lynne Bernabei was interviewed by Federal News Radio, about the pending legislation that would improve the ability of military service members to obtain relief when they are victims of sexual assault. The Congressional legislation would expand the power of the Board for Correction of Military Records to address retaliation claims by service members. However, it would not allow the service members to go to court or to obtain monetary remedies. Lynne explained that while the proposed amendments to the Military Whistleblower Protection Act were somewhat helpful where the service member suffered a specific adverse action that gets into her personnel file, such as a demotion or a disciplinary warning, this legislation would not address other kinds of retaliation, such as ostracism, or other kinds of damage, such as emotional distress.