Women Veterans PTSD
If you are one of the multitude of women veterans who experienced sexual trauma while on active duty in the military, you may need help. Counseling and treatment is available. You may have what is called PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - which is not limited to combat stress, or even having been in a combat zone.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a lot of things
It may be the reason you drink too much alcohol
It may be why you feel down in the dumps more than you should
It may be what causes your nightmares
It may be causing those feelings of fear you have - that seem to happen for no reason
It may be causing problems during your most intimate moments with a partner
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a recurrent emotional reaction to a terrifying, uncontrollable or life threatening event.
This does not mean that you have to have been ten thousand feet in the air without a parachute when the plane lost an engine.
This does not mean that you have to have been in a foxhole under artillary fire with fifty enemy troops charging you.
You could have been told by a senior male sergeant to perform oral sex in the file room or you wouldn't get promoted.
So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life.
You could have been told by a general that if you didn't have sex with him he would have you discharged as a homosexual.
So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life.
You could have been told by a civilian supervisor that if he couldn't perform oral sex on you he would have you shipped out.
So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life.
You could have been told by an instructor that he'd wash you out of school if you didn't have sex his way.
So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life.
You could have been flying space available and been forced to "join the mile high club" or lose your ride.
So you did, and you buried it in that secret garden in your mind and went on with your life.
Or you could have had an equally shattering experience under different circumstances.
One that you have carried with you for years.
You are not alone and help is out there for you.
No, it won't be easy and yes, talking about it will be difficult - but not impossible. It was not your fault! Talking about your experiences with sensitive and trained professionals will help reduce many of your problems. And don't think that you have to have reported the incident when you were on active duty...you were probably too upset, or were threatened by your antagonist. There is no requirement for a past report in order for you to get counseling with the VA. It's there, it's available, and you are eligible by virtue of your service - No matter when you served!
Women Veterans are eligible by law - Public Law 102-585
Public Law 102-585, Veterans Health Care Act of 1992, Title 1 - Women Veterans Health Programs, as amended by Public Law 103-452, Veterans Health Programs Extension Act of 1994, established programs to improve health care services for veterans including priority counseling and treatment for sexual trauma for eligible veterans. VA may provide counseling and treatment to veterans who VA determines require such counseling, care and services to overcome sexual trauma. That trauma may result for a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while serving on active military duty. Public Law 102-585, defines sexual harassment as repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.
Break the silence.
Make the call.
Help yourself and the young women who will follow you.
Contact the Women Veterans Coordinator at your nearest VA center.
Or call 1-800-827-1000 for more information.