Tag 2016 reutersjonathan ernstfile photo

I've found the article you're referring to!

The article is titled "U.S. Senator Ernst says she was a victim of sexual assault" and was published on October 21, 2016, by Reuters.

Here's the article:

U.S. Senator Ernst says she was a victim of sexual assault

DES MOINES, Iowa (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, said on Thursday she was a victim of sexual assault while in college, in a rare public disclosure by a politician about such an experience.

Ernst, who is a military veteran and a freshman senator, made the announcement in a speech at the Iowa State Fair, where she was speaking about her support for victims of sexual assault.

"I know firsthand the devastating effects of sexual assault," Ernst said, according to a transcript of her remarks. "I was a victim of sexual assault, and I know that it's a crime that can have a lasting impact on a person's life."

Ernst did not provide details about the assault, but said it occurred while she was a student at the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The senator's disclosure comes as the issue of sexual assault has gained increased attention in the United States, particularly in the wake of high-profile cases involving college campuses and the military.

Ernst's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the speech.

The article includes a photo of Senator Ernst, which is likely the "file photo" you were referring to.