Women Veterans Health Care

Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that occurs without the clear permission of a person involved.

This may include acts such as unwanted touching, grabbing, oral sex, anal sex, sexual penetration with an object, or being made to perform sexual acts and/or sexual intercourse. Experiencing sexual assault can impact an individual's physical and mental health in many ways.

People of all gender identities, sexual orientations, ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and physical sizes, appearances, and abilities have experienced sexual assault. Many individuals choose not to report being sexually assaulted because they may:

• Want to avoid thinking about the experience
• Feel shame or blame themselves
• Fear that they will not be believed or that they will be blamed by others
• Fear retaliation for reporting the assault

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that approximately 44% of women in the United States experience sexual violence involving physical contact during their lives, and approximately 1 in 5 women experience completed or attempted rape.

Although many survivors of sexual assault are resilient, survivors are at increased risk of developing mental health difficulties after the assault. These difficulties can include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, anger, drug or alcohol problems, or suicidal thoughts or actions. The experience of sexual assault is also associated with health concerns such as gynecologic and reproductive difficulties, difficulties with eating and weight, and long-term conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

If you experienced sexual assault, know that you are not alone, and help is available. VA provides health and wellness resources to support you in whatever way works best for you.

What services does VA provide for individuals who experienced sexual assault?

With your consent, VA health care providers can provide treatment or referrals for mental and physical health difficulties related to the experience of sexual assault. They may also be able to recommend additional national or local health care and emotional support resources to aid in your recovery.

If you have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment during your military service, this is known as Military Sexual Trauma (MST). You can ask for an MST Coordinator at your nearest VA facility, and they can help you access the services you need. MST-related services available through VA include:

• Free outpatient treatment at every VA medical center and many VA community-based outpatient clinics for physical and mental health conditions related to MST.
• Free outpatient MST-related counseling at Vet Centers.
• Residential (live-in) or inpatient programs for more intensive mental health treatment and support. Some facilities have separate residential programs for women only. All residential programs have separate sleeping areas for men and women.

For more information about VA's MST-related services, visit the MST page of the VA Women Veterans' Health Care website. Note that you may be able to receive free MST-related care even if you are not eligible for other VA care.

Report harassment or sexual assault at VA

Harassment and sexual assault can happen to anyone. And it's never your fault. If someone makes you—or another person—feel unsafe at VA, we encourage you to tell us. We're here to support you. And we're committed to making VA a safe place for all. Find out how to file a report and what to expect when you do.

How do I access care that can assist in recovery from sexual assault at VA?

If you experienced sexual assault, talk with your VA health care provider about resources and treatment that may be available to you.

If you need immediate care:

• Go to the nearest VA medical center emergency department.
• If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line now. Dial: 988 then Press 1 or visit https://www.veteranscrisisline.net. You can call, text, or chat online with caring, qualified VA responders. Many of them are Veterans or family members of Veterans.

If you experienced MST, you can:

• Call your nearest VA medical center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator
• Contact a Vet Center and ask to speak with someone about MST-related counseling

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already

Find your local VA and make an appointment

Where can I find more information, help, and resources that can assist in recovery from the impact of sexual assault?

• VA website with information about military sexual trauma including resources available from VA
• Find Local Support on VA's Make the Connection website
• Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)*
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline: Free, confidential, crisis support services available 24/7 by calling 1-800-656-HOPE or via chat at online.rainn.org*
  • Resource locator*
  • Mobile app*
  • National Sexual Violence Resource Center*

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The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

• Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
• Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

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