To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.

House Votes

This bill tells the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve how its hospitals and police respond when a veteran has just experienced a sexual assault. Within 18 months, VA must update its policies so every VA medical center can get veterans to a clinician trained to perform sexual assault exams, either on site or by referral, and keep unexpired rape kits on hand. Veterans must be offered medicines to help prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy when needed, plus local mental health counseling or a referral. VA police get clear rules on when to notify local law enforcement while protecting the veteran’s privacy. Staff and police must get yearly training, with some in-person sessions and site-specific information. VA regional leaders will monitor compliance and fix gaps.

Key points

• Who is affected: Veterans showing symptoms after a recent sexual assault; VA medical staff; VA police.
• What changes:
  • Update VA policies within 18 months.
  • Ensure access to specially trained examiners; keep unexpired rape kits.
  • Offer needed preventive medicines and mental health counseling or referral.
  • Give VA police clear, privacy-aware reporting guidance.
  • Provide annual training for staff and police, including some in person and tailored to each facility.
  • Regional leaders monitor and address noncompliance.
• When: Policy updates due within 18 months of enactment; training happens every year after that.