State, Local Sexual Assault Advocates Express Concerns over

Handling of Vanessa Guillen Case

As organizations committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence, we have been closely

following the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen, the missing Fort Hood soldier who was last seen
on April 22nd.

We are deeply troubled by statements from Vanessa’s mother, who has said Vanessa told her prior
to her disappearance that she was sexually harassed by one of her Sergeants at Fort Hood.

We are equally disturbed by the inaction from the military; the United States Army took nearly
two full months before launching a formal investigation into the sexual harassment allegations.
This is unacceptable.

Vanessa’s case is now receiving national attention and increased scrutiny as details continue to
come to light. We are offering our support to Vanessa’s family and to those involved in this case.

But we must acknowledge that Vanessa’s case is also emblematic of a larger, systemic problem
within the United States Military: a sheer disregard for the assault, harassment, and rape that too
many victims experience while serving their country.

Their stories are all too familiar and similar to civilian stories – disclosures are met with resistance,
disbelief, victim blame, and no justice.

We want survivors to know that healing and justice are not out of reach. Disclosing an assault is a
process that can and should include healing, support, medical treatment, mental health resources,
and other forms of guidance and assistance.

Families in Crisis and Aware Central Texas, direct service providers located in Bell County, are
just two of many programs across Texas that work to support sexual assault survivors. We are
committed to prevention and awareness of sexual assault and to creating meaningful change
toward survivor-centered services in our state.

We hold out every hope that Vanessa Guillen will be found.

We hold out every hope that the next disclosure of sexual harassment and assault will be taken
seriously. Survivors should never fear speaking out, disclosing to someone they trust, and reaching
out to the rape crisis centers in their communities designed to support them.

Rose Luna William Hall Misty Dawn Biddick

TAASA Chief Families in Crisis Aware Central Texas
Executive Officer Executive Director Executive Director

TEXAS ASSOCIATION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT

info@taasa.org | taasa.org | 512.474.7190 | 7 700 Chev y Chase Dr Ste. 230, Austin, T X 78752