#JusticeForVanessa
It has been over two months since Specialist Vanessa Guillén, an Army soldier based in Fort Hood, Texas, was reported missing. In recent weeks, Vanessa has been declared dead, having been brutally murdered by a fellow soldier in her place of work. As if her story is not already tragic enough, her family has shared that she was sexually harassed by a superior — and it has been reported that Vanessa never reported the abuse because she did not have faith in her fellow servicemen. Read more about the disappearance and murder of Vanessa in Ann Wright's article.
Dear Representatives:
I am writing to you about the case of Vanessa Guillén. On April 23, Specialist Vanessa Guillén, an Army soldier based in Fort Hood, Texas, was reported missing. On July 5, after months of investigation, human remains found near Leon River are confirmed to be Vanessa. She was subsequently declared dead, having been brutally murdered by a fellow soldier in her place of work. As if her story is not already tragic enough, her family has shared that she was sexually harassed by a superior — and it has been reported that Vanessa never reported the abuse because she did not have faith in her fellow servicemen.
I am asking for a thorough and transparent investigation into Vanessa’s murder, accountability for anyone found negligent regarding her case, and the passage of the Military Justice Improvement Act, which would utilize trained military prosecutors in cases of sexual assault and other serious crimes.
Vanessa deserves justice and her family deserves peace and closure. We must ensure a comprehensive investigation into her death and the passage of the Military Justice Improvement Act — not only to honor her life, but also the thousands of women in the U.S. military who suffer rape and sexual assault from their coworkers.
Sincerely,