The community formed amongst military service members is unique and insists upon trust and respect. When sexual violence happens in such a tight-knit community, it violates the bond the military works so hard to create. Veterans are already at higher risk for things such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety so when a veteran is also a survivor of sexual violence, their abuse can lead to severe psychological distress. Veteran survivors of sexual violence require services and support that fit their specific needs, and deserve peer support spaces to discuss how to cope and heal after leaving the military and after experiencing sexual violence. 

It is important to note that military members or veterans of any demographic can be a victim or perpetrator of abuse. However; many incidents of abuse in the military are committed by perpetrators who are in positions of power. This results in many service members waiting until they are out of the military to seek support as a veteran and using civilian services. While civilian services do their best to serve veterans, it is necessary that these service organizations understand the nuances of military sexual trauma and how it can impact the future of a survivor.

Survivors.org Community

As is the case with other populations with unique needs, many sexual violence organizations do not have staff or materials that consider the experience of a Veteran survivor. Finding shared spaces with other veteran survivors can mean the difference between feeling supported and feeling overlooked. In creating this space for veterans to come together, name, and discuss their experiences, we hope to encourage healing, address stigma, and honor service.