It's Armed Forces Week!
Armed Forces Week is May 13 – May 19, 2018. As we celebrate these courageous women and
men who sacrifice for our freedom we call attention specifically to the women who serve.
A recent study from the Veterans Affairs found that 27% women who serve suffer from PTSD.
The Service Women Action Network (SWAN) surveyed 1,300 service women about the impact
of military service on their mental health and military sexual assault (MST) as number one
factor negatively impacting their mental health.
Women also face additional risks when enlisting. According to the Department of Veterans
Affairs, nearly 1 in 4 women who seek services have experienced at least one instance of sexual
assault. This often compounds their PTSD, depression, and anxiety symptoms. While the DoD is
building a better reporting system, we must continue to show our support and advocate for
these brave individuals.
Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military
Battered Women's Justice Project - Military Sexual Assault information
As we celebrate Armed Forces Week let us remember the sacrifice made by these women. Please show your support this week!