White House Issues Statement on Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives

You are subscribed to American Forces News Articles for U.S. Department of Defense. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. White House Issues Statement on Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives 08/15/2013 02:43 PM CDT White House Issues Statement on Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 15, 2013 - White House Press Secretary Jay Carney today issued a statement on the new Department of Defense initiatives to eliminate sexual assault in the military. The statement reads as follows: The President has stated clearly that sexual assault is a crime that undermines the honor, integrity, and readiness of our Armed Forces. He has charged the nation's military leadership with "exponentially stepping up our game" when it comes to eliminating sexual assault. Women and men who step forward to serve our country must be protected from this devastating crime, and offenders must be held appropriately accountable. Today's announcement by Secretary of Defense Hagel of new Executive Actions is the result of intensive effort by the Department of Defense -- including the senior civilian leadership and each of the Services -- to fulfill the President's call to action. The initiatives announced today are substantial, but only a step along a path toward eliminating this crime from our military ranks. The President expects this level of effort to be sustained not only in the coming weeks and months, but as far into the future as necessary. We will continue to work with the Pentagon to make progress on this high priority goal because none of our men and women in uniform should ever have to experience the pain and degradation of sexual assault. Related Sites: Special Report: Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Related Articles: Hagel Announces New Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives   Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time by clicking on your 'User Profile' page at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOD/subscriber/edit?preferences=true#tab1. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please e-mail support@govdelivery.com. Have another inquiry? Visit the online FAQ at http://www.defense.gov/landing/questions.aspx for up-to-date information. Get the help you, your family, and fellow servicemembers need, when you need it. Visit www.WarriorCare.mil to learn more. Check out the National Resource Directory at www.nationalresourcedirectory.org, a new web-based resource for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families, families of the fallen and those who support them from the Departments of Defense, Labor, and Veterans Affairs. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Department of Defense. Visit us on the web at http://www.defense.gov/. Updates from the U.S. Department of Defense