HI SCR5

Urges the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Hawaii Office of Veterans Services to develop comprehensive programs and services addressing the specific needs of women veterans and women on active duty.

Identifies critical service gaps in medical and mental health care, child care services, housing, and financial assistance for women veterans.

Notes that a 2008 RAND study found female veterans suffer double the rates of depression and PTSD compared to male counterparts, with 71 percent reporting sexual assault by fellow service members.

Calls for gender-sensitive programming to address trauma from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and gender-based violence experienced during military service.

Committee amended the measure to include women serving on active duty in addition to veterans in the scope of needed services.