The resolution establishes April of each year as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month in New Jersey, aiming to raise awareness about sexual violence within military communities and to recognize the struggles faced by active service members and veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). MST is defined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as sexual assault or harassment occurring during military service, with alarming statistics indicating that one in three female veterans and one in 50 male veterans report having experienced MST. The Department of Defense has also reported a significant rise in sexual assault cases, with one in five active-duty service members affected, and acknowledges that the actual prevalence may be higher due to underreporting driven by a lack of trust in the reporting process.

The resolution highlights the adverse health effects of MST, including increased risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, which can negatively impact both individual service members and overall military performance. With New Jersey's active-duty and veteran populations numbering over 356,000, the resolution seeks to affirm the state's commitment to combat sexual violence and support those affected by MST. The Governor is encouraged to issue annual proclamations to promote observance of Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Month through appropriate activities and programs.