Reporting military assaults good step

I commend the Iowa House and Senate for passing legislation requiring notification and reporting of various crimes, specifically sexual abuse, in our state's military forces. As a veteran, I support this legislation in that it addresses a problem that affects a great number of our country's service members.

Over the past decade, military sexual trauma has grown exponentially into a major contributor to mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress, depression, alcohol/substance use, and anxiety disorders. A vast majority of sexual assaults, battery and harassment in the military go unreported and service members do not get the care they need.

Although this new law is not a one-size-fits-all solution, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

Robert Otto

Iowa City