D.C. VA Welcomes Committee Staff to Discuss Efforts to Address Sexual Harassment & Assault at VA Facilities

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) and Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), who led the Women Veterans Task Force during the 116th Congress, released the following statements after the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center (VAMC) Director Michael Heimall welcomed Committee staff this week to discuss ongoing efforts to address sexual harassment and assault at VA facilities.

“As we’ve known for some time, VA provides world class healthcare-- particularly when it comes to treating survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST)-- but too many veterans don’t feel safe using VA facilities,” said Chairman Takano. “I’m grateful that the Washington, D.C. VAMC welcomed our staff this week for a productive conversation on how we can change that and directly address sexual harassment and assault at VA. I’m encouraged by their transparency and willingness to cooperate with us, and as the Deborah Sampson Act moves toward implementation, I look forward to working with VA to ensure all veterans feel safe and welcomed walking through VA medical center doors and facilities nationwide. Given its location in our nation’s capital, the D.C. VAMC has the opportunity to become a flagship facility for ending sexual harassment and assault across VA--  I stand ready to help make that a reality. ”

“It is refreshing and heartening to see VA leadership take ownership and accountability of this critical issue. For too long, VA has not prioritized creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, including women veterans and employees,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “The willingness to be active partners in eliminating sexual harassment and assault at VA facilities is the first step in building trust with the millions of women who have served our nation in uniform and the women who serve as frontline workers at VA.”

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