llmtui Starts Smart WASHINGTON. DC 20510 October 31, 2016 The Honorable Loretta Attorney General U.S. Department of Justice 950 Avenue NW Washington, DC. 20530 The Honorable Michael Huerta Federal Aviation Administration US. Department of Transportation 800 Independence Avenue SW Washington, DC. 20591 Dear Attorney General and Administrator Huerta: As our country continues the ?ght to end violence against women, it is critical that no space be exempt from protection or devoid of support for survivors of sexual assault. We write to express our deep concern that airplanes appear to be just such a place. Speci?cally, we are concerned with the apparent lack of standards and support provided to airline personnel about how to address and respond to incidents of sexual harassment and assault aboard commercial aircraft. We urge you to review, clarify, and develop requirements for airlines to ensure ?ight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots who may have to respond to an incident while aboard the aircraft are prepared to support the survivor and take the steps necessary to hold the alleged perpetrator accountable. Recently, one of our of?ces heard from an individual who was sexually assaulted on a long distance ?ight, and although she was provided a new seat for several hours, she was ultimately asked by the ?ight attendants to return to her original seat next to her attacker for landing. When she refused, they seated another male passenger next to him, offering airline miles for his inconvenience. Like many Americans, this passenger is often on long distance ?ights for work. Concerned with the response to her sexual assault, and under the impression that a report had been ?led with the relevant authorities, she followed up with the airline. She was shocked to learn no report was ?led. Unfortunately, the experience of this individual does not seem to be an isolated incident, as recent media reports have highlighted underreporting by airlines, apparent inadequacies in airline responses, and a lack of policy and guidance to address the issue.] Federal law makes clear that sexual abuse offenses that are criminal under 18 U.S.C. are also criminal when committed in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.2 Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with carrying out duties related to aviation Nora Caplan-Brickcr. Fiighi Risk, Slate {August 3 l, 20l6, (htlpirwuu. slate.com-articlesidouhle Nicole Bitettc, Oregon Man Charged with Sexuaiiy Assanii?irig 3-year-old giri on American Airiines Flight, New York Daily News (June 20, w. ll ?.163 080] LLS. Attorneys? Manual, Criminal Resource Manual, Certain Crimes Aboard Aircraft in Flight ?l412. safety, including sexual assault.3 We believe the federal government has a role to play in the safety of passengers and crewmembers that experience sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft. The primary role of the ?ight attendants and crewmembers is safety, however, we understand many may not be suf?ciently trained to recognize and respond appropriately to an in- ?ight case of sexual assault or harassment. Although the FAA has regulations that outline the required training programs for ?ight attendants and crewmembers, there are no explicit guidelines for handling sexual assault. We ?nd this troubling and unacceptable. The National Crime Victimization Survey estimates that women experience approximately 270,000 sexual assaults each year, and more than 90 percent of sexual assaults recorded are committed against women.?4 The aftermath of a violent or sexual crime can be physically, or ?nancially devastating for a survivor. Long distance ?ights often occur overnight. There are extended periods where no ?ight attendants walk through the aircraft cabin, and many guests sleep before landing in a different time zone. Such characteristics could make long distance ?ights a particularly hazardous place for travelers by presenting a prime opportunity for these crimes to occur. All passengers should be able to travel without the worry of being sexually assaulted. We must support those with authority, like ?ight attendants, crewrnembers, and pilots, to ensure that an incident of sexual assault is halted, prevent a repeated attack, support and help the survivor, and ensure the event is documented and reported to the proper authorities. It is critical that we work together to immediately identify, understand, and address the issue of sexual harassment and assault aboard commercial aircraft. Given the broad scope of the issue, we request the FAA and U.S. Department of Justice work across the federal government and industry to: - Convene stakeholders and establish a working group with the relevant federal agencies; unions representing ?ight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots; airlines; Office of Victims of Crime; law enforcement; and sexual assault advocacy organizations to discuss and identify the issues and gaps, and develop policy solutions to support survivors of sexual assault; Collect data to understand the prevalence of sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft among passengers, ?ight attendants, crewmembers, and pilots; and 0 Identify, collect, and develop federal rules, guidelines and best practices for responding to sexual assault aboard commercial aircraft, including guidance on timely reporting. We must do all we can to ensure passengers? rights and health are protected, ?ight crews are fully trained and equipped to handle sexual assaults, and that pertinent information is being reported to law enforcement to ensure justice. We appreciate all the work you do to ensure our national airways are safe and reliable. Thank you for your consideration of our views. Sincerely, MW (V1 WW Robert P. Casey Patty Murray United States Senator United States Senator 3 49 uses. tempts); Chapter 465 includes 49 uses. season. 4 Department oflusticc, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2.,th aldwin United tates Senator KW Wooker United States Senator Sherrod Brown United States Senator Wf Jianne Feinstein United States Senator Mazie irono United States Senator Edward J. Marke' United States Senator Robert Manendez United States Senator Bernard Sanders United States Senator Richard Blumenthal United States Senator Boxer give Senator Z: Christopher A. Coons United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand United States Senator ?a?l/r Patrick J. Leahy United States Senator Claire MeCas ill United States Senator ?47,45? eters Uni ed States Senator 3&2 Brian Sehatz United States Senator (page Charles E. Sehumer Debbie United States Senator United States Senator Ron Wyden United States Senator Mark R. Warner United States Senator