WASHINGTON, March 15 (UPI) -- U.S. Defense Department guidelines dealing with sexual assaults in the military are being completed and the White House has reviewed them, records show.
The guidelines concern the prevention of and response to sexual assault cases, the records from the Office of Management and Budget indicate.
The regulations are being completed amid calls from lawmakers to address the issue, estimated to affect as many as 19,000 servicewomen per year, the The Hill reported Friday.
The new rules propose the creation of a Sexual Assault Advisory Council at the Department of Defense to oversee enactment of new policies. Guidelines would clarify responsibilities in reporting and reacting to reports of sexual assault, the Washington newspaper said.
The policy will provide "comprehensive procedures to better establish a culture of prevention, response and accountability that enhances the safety and well-being of all DoD members," the Office of Management and Budget said.
