Senator Baldwin Praises Wisconsin National Guard’s Work to Improve Sexual Assault and Harassment Prevention and Response Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Wisconsin National Guard has successfully implemented recommendations to improve sexual assault and harassment reporting procedures, investigation protocols, and accountability measures, and the National Guard Bureau Office of Complex Investigations (OCI) has officially closed out its assessment that Senator Baldwin and Governor Tony Evers called for in 2019.

“Following complaints made by brave whistleblowers within the Wisconsin National Guard, Governor Tony Evers and I requested that the National Guard Bureau Office of Complex Investigations conduct a comprehensive assessment of sexual assault protocols, reporting mechanisms, investigations, and accountability measures. I would like to express my gratitude for their dedication in conducting this review, and I am proud of the progress that the Wisconsin National Guard has made to improve their handling of sexual assault and harassment. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the service and sacrifice of our Wisconsin National Guard service members, and I am thankful for the leadership of Governor Evers who has worked to right the wrongs of the past,” said Senator Baldwin. “Going forward, I will continue my work in the Senate with the National Guard and OCI to ensure they have the resources and capacity necessary to more effectively protect all National Guard members from sexual assault and better allow victims access to justice.”

In March 2019, Senator Baldwin and Governor Evers called for an assessment of the Wisconsin National Guard’s sexual assault protocols following whistleblower complaints about incidents going back to 2009. The OCI conducted a comprehensive review, which was concluded in December 2019. The report offered recommendations for the Wisconsin National Guard which have now been successfully implemented under the leadership of Governor Evers, who announced that OCI officially closed out its assessment. 

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