Trauma-informed theory makes the job of an investigator unnecessary. Because no matter what the complainant says or does, the investigative outcome is the same:

• If she provides an account of the assault that is lucid, detailed, and factual, the report concludes she is a victim of sexual assault.
• If her testimony is lacking key details, the investigative report says she is a victim of an assault.
• If the testimony is inconsistent and contradictory with other evidence....you guessed it, she's still a victim!

Which is why an article published yesterday is especially alarming. "Ignoring Due Process, DOD Climbs onto the Trauma-Informed Bandwagon," by Colleen Reed and Margaret Valois, recounts how the Department of Defense has become a "true believer" of trauma-informed ideology.

The article explains, "On September 5, the Department of the Navy, in conjunction with the State University of New York (SUNY), hosted a regional discussion entitled "Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment." The conference is a continued discussion from the National Discussion on Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment at America's Colleges, Universities, and Service Academies held at the United States Naval Academy in April 2019."

The growing use of trauma-informed methods in the military is opening the door to false allegations. According to a recent Center for Military Readiness report, 28% of sexual assault claims are now determined to be "unfounded" -- see attached graph. Such numbers harm the credibility of future victims.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, take note.