HARRISBURG – A new PA law will improve services for veterans affected by military sexual trauma. Military sexual trauma remains a significant issue among service members. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one in three women and one in 50 men in the armed forces report experiencing sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. Because many incidents go unreported, the actual number is believed to be even higher. The new law, Act 38 of 2026, amends state law by establishing a training program for county veterans affairs directors on trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury. The training is intended to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers, and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.
