“Neither I nor my staff told you or anyone else at the department that the allegations were unsubstantiated,” Mr. Missal wrote in response. In a statement released by her lawyer, Ms. Goldstein said the report “confirmed” that Mr. Wilkie had sought to “impugn” her character rather than investigate her assault. “Many women veterans have approached me to tell me that this incident has permanently severed trust with the agency and that they will never seek health care from V.A.,” she said. “I am hopeful that the next secretary will center and prioritize eradicating sexual violence at V.A. and actively work to gain women veterans’ trust.”In sworn testimony, Mr. Wilkie denied investigating Ms. Goldstein or questioning her credibility during the inquiry.

Source: New York Times December 10, 2020 20:14 UTC