WOMEN VETERANS
Most VA medical facilities have a Program Manager to assist you in health care services and all VA Regional Offices have a Women Veterans Coordinator to assist you in applying for benefits. Contact your local Coordinator/Program Manager today.
Addresses and phone numbers for Department of Veterans Affairs' benefits offices and health care facilities in your local community can be found at: The VA Facility and Leadership Directory
The Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Center program operates a system of 207 community based counseling centers. The Vet Centers are staffed by small multi-disciplinary teams of dedicated providers, many of which are combat veterans themselves. Vet Center staff are available toll free during normal business hours at 1-800-905-4675 (Eastern) and 1-866-496-8838 (Pacific).
Resources
Military Sexual Trauma Program
A number of veterans, both women and men, may have experienced sexual trauma while they served on active military duty. Law defines sexual trauma as: Sexual harassment, Sexual Assault, Rape and other acts of violence. It further defines sexual harassment as repeated unsolicited, verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature, which is threatening in nature.
Many veterans have never discussed the incident or their medical or psychological condition with anyone. Yet, these women and men know that they have "not felt the same" since the trauma occurred. Unfortunately, this is a common reaction to an incident of sexual trauma.
Only 16% of rapes that occur in this country are ever officially reported.
Many of the victims base their reactions on social misconceptions about those who have experienced sexual trauma.
Nearly one-third of all trauma victims develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during their lifetime.
Physical problems and a general feeling of "not feeling well" often accompany PTSD symptoms.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare professionals are sensitive to the aftereffects of sexual trauma and the impact it can have on a person's physical and emotional health. Our clinicians understand the feelings of fear, anxiety, shame, anger, and embarrassment that victims of a sexual trauma can experience.VA provides eligible veterans confidential counseling and treatment for the aftereffects of sexual trauma.
Many veterans who experience an incident of sexual trauma have had no professional counseling and may have misgivings about the need or purpose for talking about the incident so long after it occurred. VA counselors know that people who have been traumatized can be successfully treated and that it is important to the overall health of the survivor to talk through these upsetting and terrifying experiences.
In addition to counseling, related healthcare services are also available at VA medical facilities. It is important to know that sexual trauma counseling can be provided regardless if the veteran ever reported the incident.
The Aftereffects of Sexual Trauma
The aftereffects of a sexual trauma can include:
avoidance of places or objects which recall memories of the traumatic incident
feelings that something is missing or not right depression, alcohol and./or substance abuse
suicidal thoughts recurring and intrusive thoughts and dreams about the trauma incident
non-specific health problems relationship problems.
VA medical centers have made structural changes and renovated areas to assure privacy for veterans. VA healthcare professionals can help veterans better cope with the aftereffects of a trauma experience and help veterans regain their confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. For information regarding sexual trauma services, contact the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator or Women Veterans Program Manager at your nearest VA facility or call toll free 1-800-827-1000.
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