U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) last week reintroduced legislation designed to allow survivors of military sexual trauma to seek specialized care outside of the Veterans Administration health care system.

Co-sponsors of H.R. 1603, the Military Sexual Assault Victims Empowerment (SAVE) Act, includes Democrat Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii.

“The tens of thousands of military sexual assault survivors in the military must receive proper mental and physical care after experiencing such horrible trauma,” Gabbard said in a press release. “Stepping forward and seeking care is a battle all its own. Those who speak up must have their safety ensured and greater control over their own health decisions.”

Veterans Day at Punchbowl Memorial.

Gabbard added, “Sexual assault survivors have unique needs; they shouldn’t be forced to share personal and highly emotional experiences with a doctor who is not best-equipped to treat them.”

Gabbard is a captain in the Hawaii National Guard who served two tours in the Middle East. Barr is the son of an Army veteran and the grandson of a World War II-era veteran.

Said Barr, “We owe members of the military the best medical treatment available, and victims of sexual assault in the military certainly deserve the compassion, flexibility, and discretion to make their own decisions about the best course of care for their unique needs.”

Click here for more information on the bill.