US. Department
5 of Veterans Affairs

Inspector General
Washington DC 20420

FEB 2 7 2020

Honorable Patty Murray
US. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Murray:

I write in response to your February 24, 2020 letter cosigned by five of your colleagues.
Your letter requests two separate but related investigations. First, you request that we
investigate allegations that senior staff at the Department of Veterans Affairs sought
information about the background of the veteran who reported being sexually assaulted
at the Washington DC VA Medical Center (DC VAMC) in September 2019. The Office of
inspector General (OIG) is conducting a review of the allegations described in your
letter. This matter is a high priority for our office. We will report the results of our review
when it is completed.

Second, you request that we investigate the Department?s response to the reported
sexual assault and whether appropriate steps were taken by the facility at the time it was
reported, including an assessment of the Department?s policies to prevent and respond
to sexual violence and harassment at the DC VAMC and other facilities. We share your
concern for the safety and security of veterans as they access healthcare

facilities. The OIG diligently investigates allegations of serious criminal activity reported
at facilities. VA must ensure that its facilities have an environment in which any
allegation of sexual violence or harassment are and properly acted upon. We
are closely monitoring the environment of care and facility safety, and we will advise you
if we decide to conduct any specific reviews in these areas.

A similar letter is being sent to the cosigners of the letter. Thank you for your interest in
the OIG.

    
 
   

Sincerely,

MICHAEL . MISSAL