Coast Guard veteran K. Denise Rucker Krepp has been advocating for survivors of sexual assault and harassment, urging senators to amend laws to make it easier for government employees with knowledge of these issues to testify before Congress. Krepp, who is a Navy civilian, believes that employees should be allowed to use government time instead of annual leave when sharing information about assault and harassment. She has identified a need for this legislative change based on her own experiences interacting with Congress and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Inspector General.
Krepp’s efforts are motivated by her desire to prevent sexual assault from happening to her daughters. She was inspired to act after learning about dozens of alleged sexual assaults at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy reported between 1988 and 2006. Despite some progress, such as the Coast Guard ending the use of nondisclosure agreements on sexual assault survivors, Krepp believes that more needs to be done to support survivors and victims of sexual harassment. She hopes that changes in legislation will provide a safer and more supportive environment for those who come forward.
In a letter dated June 5, Krepp reached out to Senator Richard Blumenthal and other lawmakers, calling for amendments to federal law that would facilitate government employees in reporting instances of sexual assault and harassment. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that individuals feel comfortable and supported when sharing their experiences, especially if these incidents occurred during government time. Krepp’s advocacy work gained momentum after a hearing in December 2023 that focused on sexual assault and harassment at the Coast Guard Academy and within the Coast Guard. The disturbing accounts shared during the hearing further fuelled her determination to address these issues.
Senator Ted Cruz, among others, was included in Krepp’s letter requesting legislative changes to support survivors of sexual assault and harassment. Despite sending the letter to multiple lawmakers, no responses have been received as of yet. Krepp’s decision to be vocal and public about her advocacy work stems from her personal experiences and the desire to prevent future instances of sexual assault within the military. Her work as a political appointee in the Obama administration, which led her to resign due to her stance on sexual assault investigations, has influenced her commitment to fighting for survivor rights.
Krepp’s dedication to advocating for sexual assault survivors is fueled by her own encounters with senior officials who discouraged her from reporting incidents of assault. Her advocacy work has been driven by a deep sense of justice and a desire to prevent these crimes from happening to future generations. By challenging conventional wisdom and working to establish common ground, Krepp’s efforts are aimed at creating a more supportive environment for survivors of sexual assault and harassment within government institutions like the Coast Guard. Her determination to enact legislative change reflects a broader commitment to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that survivors can share their stories without fear.
