WASHINGTON - An Army plan to develop a database of sexual assaults is meeting some resistance from members of Congress and an advocacy group who say it could violate victims' privacy.
In a letter to Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey, 15 members of Congress said the new system would deter victims from reporting crimes and seeking treatment, and asked him not to collect any personal information or medical records in the database.
The proposal comes after sex assault scandals in the military and ongoing efforts by the Pentagon to respond to those problems.
"Victims of sexual assault experience traumatic, life-changing events," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. "We should work to protect their privacy, not compromise it."
The planned Army system would include the victim's name, Social Security number, date of birth, other demographic information, military service data, assault investigation and police reports, medical and other records, and any actions taken against offenders.
A 30-day comment period on the plan ended Friday.
No final decision has been made, said Pentagon spokesman Hank Minitrez.
"Great care will be taken to ensure that both victim and alleged offender personal information and privacy are maintained," Minitrez said.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has developed new policies for the awareness and prevention of sexual abuse in the military, with increased training and education as well as more stringent reporting and accountability.
Including some identifying information is necessary, Minitrez said, to ensure accurate data collection and to help determine if victim advocacy programs as well as medical and investigative services are working.
