Senate Letter To DoJ & FAA On Onboard Sexual Assaults
Senator Warner and 25 of his Democratic colleagues plus Representative Norton have two different, yet complementary responses to the need to address sexual assaults on aircraft. Both announcements of the respective bill introductions indicate that the legislation is needed in light of recent onboard attacks which suggest more attention from the U.S. Department of Justice and the FAA must be initiated.
“As our country continues to combat the threat of violence against women, it is critical that no space be immune to the protections and support we afford survivors of sexual assault…We must do all we can to ensure passengers’ rights and health are protected, flight crews are fully trained and equipped to handle sexual assaults, and that pertinent information is being reported to law enforcement to ensure justice,” was the message of the Senators.
Their letter noted that “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.” The position of the bill’s signers was that the Federal Aviation Administration is “tasked with carrying out duties related to aviation safety, including sexual assault.” The letter’s footnote, supporting that absolute conclusion, includes a link that does not work. Thus, it is not possible to review the legal basis.
Most FAA personnel would be hard pressed to cite the authority to take criminal action for in flight sexual assault. Equally, it would be surprising if an aircraft crew member knew that it was within their power to charge the alleged perpetrator.
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Senate Letter To DoJ & FAA On Onboard Sexual Assaults]