Establishes April of each year as "Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month" in NJ.
The establishment of 'Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month' serves multiple purposes: not only does it aim to raise awareness about the struggles faced by active service members and veterans who have encountered MST, but it also strengthens New Jersey's commitment to combating sexual violence within military contexts. By having an official month dedicated to this issue, the state emphasizes the importance of addressing the health consequences tied to MST, which can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. The resolution also provides a platform for educational activities and programs that can take place each April, further enhancing community engagement on this critical matter.
Senate Joint Resolution No. 124, introduced on May 15, 2023, aims to establish April of each year as 'Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month' in New Jersey. This resolution seeks to promote awareness regarding the pervasive issue of military sexual trauma (MST), which encompasses sexual assault or harassment experienced by individuals during military service. The resolution highlights the alarming statistics surrounding MST, such as that one in three female veterans and one in 50 male veterans have reported experiencing such trauma. Furthermore, it underscores that the Department of Defense has reported a record number of sexual assault incidents in recent years, indicating a growing need for awareness and intervention in this area.
One point of contention is the lack of previous dedicated recognition for military sexual trauma, as April already serves as National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Critics may argue that the duplication of awareness months could dilute the focus on each individual issue. However, the resolution clarifies that while sexual violence awareness is vital, specific acknowledgment of military sexual trauma is necessary due to the unique nature of the experiences faced by service members, which often differ from civilian contexts. By recognizing MST, the resolution seeks to address the acute needs of these individuals and foster a better understanding of the challenges they encounter.
In recognizing the significant populations of active duty and veterans in New Jersey, with figures reported at 6,461 and 350,538 respectively, it is crucial to understand that many among them may have experienced MST. The resolution calls for a proclamation to be issued by the Governor each year, further calling upon public officials and citizens to observe this month with relevant activities, thereby ensuring that the commitment to combat MST remains active and visible within the community.