HARRISBURG — Legislation to require additional trainings and certifications for county veteran assistance directors regarding trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, championed by three local legislators, has been signed into law.
Act 38 of 2026, amends Pennsylvania law by establishing a training program for county veterans’ affairs directors on trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The training is intended to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.
Rep. Donna Scheuren
Co-prime sponsors in the House were state Rep. Donna Scheuren, R-147th Dist., Melissa Shusterman, D-157th Dist., and state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-24th Dist. in the Senate.
“Survivors of military trauma, whether it be stress-related, a brain injury or sexual assault, carry those experiences with them long after their service ends, and the effects can last for years. We owe it to our veterans to ensure the professionals they turn to for help are equipped to recognize their needs and connect them with the resources they deserve. I’m proud this legislation is now law,” Scheuren said in a press release.
State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester. (Photo courtesy of State Rep. Shusterman’s office)
“With nearly 700,000 veterans living in our Commonwealth, it’s incredibly important that our legislative body continues our bipartisan work to honor and support our veterans,” Shusterman said in a separate press release. “As with other forms of trauma, survivors of MST live with their experiences in different ways, and their mental and physical health may be significantly affected for years to come. It is imperative to ensure the resources and support we provide to them is effective.”
Military sexual trauma remains a significant issue among service members. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one in three women and one in 50 men in the armed forces report experiencing sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. Because many incidents go unreported, the actual number is believed to be even higher.
The new law, Act 38 of 2026, amends Pennsylvania law by establishing a training program for county veterans’ affairs directors on trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The training is intended to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.