On Women Veterans Recognition Day, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver joined with Assemblymember Addie J. Russell to announce the approval of legislation to provide assistance and benefits for veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) during their military service.

In 2012, the Department of Defense disclosed that 85,000 veterans received treatment for injuries or illness sustained as a result of MST. However, in the same year only 26,000 cases of MST were anonymously reported.

"By giving this issue the attention it deserves we will help to bring relief to those who have been victimized," said Silver. "I commend Assemblymember Russell for sponsoring this important piece of legislation that will help to eradicate military sexual trauma."

Under the bill (A.7086/Russell), the Division of Veterans Affairs would be required to devise a plan to provide assistance and benefits for veterans who experience MST while on active duty or during military training. The legislation would also require county and city veterans service agencies to report information on MST.

"MST is an extremely serious issue that threatens the welfare of our courageous men and women in uniform," said Russell. "This legislation takes a critical step toward providing veterans who have sacrificed so much with the help they need to transition back into civilian life."

Silver and Russell noted that despite its traumatic impact on victims, the military reported only a six percent increase in reports of MST from 2011 to 2012. This discrepancy highlights the need for increased services and benefits for those who have so proudly served our country.

"The passage of Assembly Bill 7086 is a good step for our troops, veterans and their families. In our work at Soldier's Heart we have seen many survivors of MST, male and female, who are still suffering years later. Their voices need to be heard and their healing must be the responsibility of the nation they have served," said Kate Dahlstedt, co-director of the New York Chapter of Soldier's Heart, a non-profit veterans service agency that provides support for veterans, families and communities affected by war trauma located in Troy, NY.