The Twentieth Public Meeting of the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces was held on Friday, November 6, 2020 via teleconference.
Arlington, VA - The twentieth public meeting of the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces ("DAC-IPAD" or "the Committee"), was held on Friday, November 6, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., via teleconference. Connectivity to this meeting was limited and on a first-come basis.
The DAC-IPAD was established by the Secretary of Defense in February 2016, in accordance with section 546 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, as amended. The Committee is tasked to advise the Secretary of Defense on the investigation, prosecution, and defense of allegations of rape, forcible sodomy, sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct involving members of the Armed Forces based on its review of such cases on an ongoing basis.
At this meeting the Committee deliberated and voted on the draft DAC-IPAD review and assessment of racial and ethnic disparities in the investigations, prosecutions, and convictions of Service members for sexual offenses involving adult victims within the military justice system as required by section 540I of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (NDAA FY20). The Committee was briefed on the developing field of restorative justice, followed by a staff briefing and discussion on victim impact statements at sentencing as requested by Congress in NDAA FY20. Lastly, the Committee received a briefing and update from the staff on its interviews with civilian prosecutors and defense counsel.
The DAC-IPAD welcomes input from the public on these topics or other issues under its consideration. Requests to make public comment, submission of written comments or materials, and any other inquiries may be directed to Ms. Marguerite McKinney at
This meeting was open to the public, via teleconference. Connection was limited and available on a first-come basis.
More information about the Committee, including the meeting agenda and materials, is available on its website at http://dacipad.whs.mil. In the event the Office of Personnel Management closes the government due to inclement weather or for any other reason, please consult the website for any changes to public meeting dates or time.