Elisha Morrow, who inspired Congresswoman Frankel’s National Defense Authorization Act provision on military sexual assault, visited Washington today to testify at a panel on sexual assault in the military.

"It was a privilege to testify before the subcommittee today about the difficulties our military members face,” said Morrow. “I addressed boot camp and training environments and focused on needed areas of change."  

The hearing was held by the Victim Services Subcommittee to Response Systems to Adult Sexual Assault Crimes Panel, which seeks to improve the military treatment of victims.

A former Coast Guard recruit and victim of sexual harassment in the military, Morrow shared her harrowing story with Frankel and they worked together to try to strengthen the flawed military justice system.

“I’m pleased to welcome Elisha to Washington, and proud that she is continuing the fight to advance victim services in the military,” said Frankel. “Our sons and daughters put their military uniforms on to protect us. We must do all we can to protect them.”

Last December, President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law, which included Frankel’s measure that directs the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses their position in the Military Chain of Command.

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