CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

97

CHAPTER 194

Statutes of 2025

Introduced by Assembly Member Sharp-Collins

August 18, 2025

Relative to Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.

Fiscal committee: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

This measure would proclaim September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.

WHEREAS, Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service; and

WHEREAS, MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard; and

WHEREAS, MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or mental health condition, and can result in significant and long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide; and

WHEREAS, MST survivors who identify as members of marginalized and minority groups may face additional stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care, which may compound the trauma and hinder their access to necessary support; and

WHEREAS, MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment; and

WHEREAS, MST not only affects the individual but also impacts their families, friends, and overall military readiness, as the trauma can strain relationships and affect the survivor’s ability to perform effectively within the military setting; and

WHEREAS, There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community; and

WHEREAS, There is an urgent need for the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to prevent MST by implementing comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms to protect all members and ensure a safer military environment; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day; and be it further

Resolved, The Legislature affirms its commitment to supporting military sexual trauma survivors and acknowledges the importance of providing them with the highest quality care and support; and be it further

Resolved, The Legislature acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.