Skip to Content

Creating a safe space for women Veterans at VA

1st Lt. Jessica Pauley, shown on an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
1st Lt. Jessica Pauley, shown on an M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in March, became the first t female infantry officer in the Idaho National Guard last year. As a platoon leader for the 116th Cavalry Regiment’s C Company, 2nd Battalion, she helped pave the way for junior enlisted women to take combat arms positions in her battalion. Now the "leader's first" requirement has been further modified to open even more combat units to women. (Crystal Farris)

Over two million women Veterans live in the U.S., making them the fastest growing Veteran group. For over 100 years VA has given women Veterans access to a wide range of comprehensive health and gender specific care that supports their every stage of life.

The following includes discussions of sensitive topics like sexual harassment and sexual assault. It may be difficult to engage with this content. It is our priority to make our stories educational, where we can engage empathetically and thoughtfully with difficult content, when appropriate, to promote a culture that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for all. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or harassment, support is available.  

Women Veterans can have unique health needs following their time in service and, unfortunately for some, additional support may be needed if they experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault. About 1 in 3 women Veterans tell their VA health care provider they experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault while in the military.

It is important to note that sexual harassment and sexual assault can happen to anyone regardless of gender. Both men and women can experience sexual violence.

How is VA creating a safe and inclusive environment for women Veterans?

VA has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault and sexual harassment, which means VA expects and actively works to create a culture free of such incidents. However, responding to sexual harassment and sexual assault is not enough. VA aims to achieve and sustain a proactively inclusive culture for all genders.

VA systematically carries out national harassment and sexual assault prevention and recovery strategies. We also outline ways to act if you see misconduct, which helps to ensure a culture of respect is maintained throughout VA.

VA’s commitment extends to collaborative efforts across facilities where clinicians undergo specialized training to deliver trauma-informed health care, specifically addressing the needs of women Veterans who have encountered military sexual trauma (MST) or intimate partner violence (IPV).

MST refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. As with other forms of trauma, MST can impact women Veterans in different ways. VA provides free MST related mental health counseling and medical care at all VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics.

Wherever women Veterans receive care at VA, they should feel safe

VA also offers the Beyond MST Mobile App, a free, secure and private self-help mobile app created specifically to support the health and well-being of those who have experienced MST. Telehealth appointments are always an option for those not comfortable with in-person appointments.

IPV is a specific type of domestic violence that refers to physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as stalking, between intimate partners. Military service has unique psychological, social and environmental factors that contribute to elevated risk of IPV.

In response, VA created the VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP), which offers guidance for healthier relationships between Veterans and their partners who may be experiencing IPV. The program provides confidential help through a local IPV coordinator who can offer safety planning guides and link women Veterans with VA providers. They also provide access to community-based support, domestic violence shelters, legal services and housing through VA’s Homeless Programs Office if needed.

VA is committed to providing women Veterans with appropriate treatment and resources for their mental health needs. Wherever women Veterans receive care within VA, they should feel safe, confident and empowered during medical examinations. This fosters a safe environment, ensuring they receive the highest quality care possible.

Learn more about how VA creates a more welcoming environment free of harassment for all who rely on our services.