We were reading Homelessness a problem for women veterans by Melissa Schmitt and found ourselves becoming angry about the rapidly growing number of homeless women veterans. Ms. Schmitt’s article highlights this American tragedy. Click here to read the article.
Because of PTSD and military sexual trauma, women veterans are four times as likely to go homeless than their civilian counterparts. This situation should never have happened. Together we need to prevent this from happening as well as provide permanent, affordable and supportive housing to these women veterans when they come home.
In addition, the report provides the following facts.
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Military Sexual Trauma: A risk factor for homelessness
23 out of 100 women who use the VA health system reported experiencing sexual assault in the military
Sexual assault is a risk factor for developing PTSD – another risk factor for homelessness
Homeless Women Veterans: At a Glance
Approximately 7,000 women veterans are homeless
Numbers are expected to increase as more women return from Iraq and Afghanistan
Women veterans are four times as likely to go homeless than their civilian counterparts
75 % report experiencing sexual abuse, in the military or in civilian life
Half suffer from substance or alcohol dependence
One third have mental illness
Of 500 VA veterans shelters, 300 say they accept women
15 VA shelters have women-only programs
None can accept women and their children
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