VA Salt Lake City’s Military Sexual Trauma program helps Veteran get her life back
Chelsea Snoey wanted to be a part of something bigger than herself – to serve her country. The shy teen joined the Navy right out of high school eager to make a difference and see the world. A world that would quickly reveal its ugly side.
“It was somebody that was supposed to watch my back and they didn’t” said Snoey
Snoey was assaulted at her first duty station by someone she worked alongside and trusted. When she tried to come forward, she was met with resistance and indifference.
"Oh, you just have an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. I'm all, really? I'm having trouble adjusting? Well, no wonder, I just got assaulted by a fellow corpsman, another service member who worked with me," she said.
In short, Snoey says they didn’t believe her and instead of providing her with the resources and support she needed, they transferred here to a different department. Her perpetrator was never held accountable.
Snoey was heartbroken, but she moved on with her military career never feeling the same. She had PTSD from the experience and found herself always looking over her shoulder and uncertain in relationships.
"This entity that I've given my life to, that I'm willing to dedicate everything to, failed me," she said. "They didn't take care of me like they were supposed to."
It wasn’t until Snoey got out of the Navy and checked in with VA that she realized how broken she really was. She has been working with VA Salt Lake City’s Military Sexual Trauma program for the last two years trying get her life back. And she’s succeeding.
"It has given me a sense of control back in my life," she said.
VA Psychologist Amber Martinson says Snoey’s experience is not uncommon in the military. She adds that many don’t ever report it out of fear of retaliation.
"While it's hard, while it's scary, and while people may have had so many negative experiences up until that point, there is hope and there is a lot of opportunities for growth and for healing if they do reach out," Martinson said.
Today, Snoey is not the broken shell of a person she once was. It will always be there, she says, but she is happy again. She also encourages other victims to “do the work” and regain their lives.
"Talking about it can help give you space around it to live a life worth living again or have that love and that security and safety around you again," she said.
If you or someone you love has experienced military sexual trauma, call the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System at 801-582-1565 and ask for the military sexual trauma program or visit www.MentalHealth.va.gov/SAAM, where you'll find helpful resources and materials you can explore and share with others.