New funding sought for sex-abused vets

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (UPI) -- Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash, says she will re-introduce a bill in January that would provide more resources to treat sexually traumatized U.S. veterans.

The (Portland) Oregonian reported Murray had introduced the legislation after hearing disturbing reports of attacks and harassment from women stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the measure was not brought up for discussion in the current Senate session.

The Oregonian said mental health experts have warned Congress to expect a continued growth in the number of veterans suffering from sexual trauma that will strain mental-health services.

The Veterans Administration says more than 100,000 former military members screened positive for sexual trauma resulting from their service between 2002 and 2007, including more than 59,000 men.