On June 3, the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee held a hearing on the “National Commitment to End Veterans’ Homelessness.”
Marsha (Tansey) Four, RN, chair of the Woman Veterans Committee for the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), discussed some of the factors contributing to the increase in the number of homeless women veterans. She cited a report, saying, “Matthew Friedman, executive director of the National Center for PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder], a research-and-education program financed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, points out that some traumatic experiences have been shown to be more psychologically ‘toxic’ than others. Rape, in particular, is thought to be the most likely to lead to PTSD in women (and men, where it occurs). Participation in combat, though, he says, is not far behind…Returning female OIF [Operation Iraqi Freedom] and OEF [Operation Enduring Freedom] troops also face other crises. For example, studies conducted at the Durham, North Carolina Comprehensive Women’s Health Center by VA [Veterans Affairs] researchers have demonstrated higher rates for suicidal tendencies among women veterans suffering [from] depression with co-morbid PTSD. And, according to a Pentagon study released in March 2006, more female soldiers report mental health concerns than their male comrades: 24 percent compared to 19 percent. VA data showed that 25,960 of the 69,861 women separated from the military during fiscal years 2002-2006 sought VA services. Of those seeking VA services, 35.8 percent requested assistance for ‘mental disorders’…Of these, 21 percent was for post traumatic stress disorder…with female vets showing higher PTSD rates. Also, as of early May 2007, 14.5 percent of female OIF/OEF veterans reported having endured military sexual trauma (MST). Although all VA medical centers are required to have MST clinicians, very few clinicians within the VA are prepared to treat co-occurring combat-induced PTSD and MST…All of these issues, traumas, stress, and crises have a direct effect on the women veterans who find themselves homeless.”
Ms. Four also detailed challenges facing homeless women veterans, saying, “Not all residential programs are designed to treat mental health problems of this very vulnerable population. In light of the high incidence of past sexual trauma, rape, and domestic violence, many of these women find it difficult, if not impossible, to share residential programs with their male counterparts. They openly discuss their concern for a safe treatment setting, especially where the treatment unit layout does not provide them with a physically segregated, secure area. They also discuss the need for gender-specific group sessions. Reports also indicate that in mixed gender residential programs, women remain fearful, isolated, stifled, and unsafe…Women have had very different experiences from male veterans not only in the military, but after also. Some women live as victims of extremely violent pasts…Some women have sold themselves for money, taking part in unimaginable activities in order to pay for food, a bed, or drugs…In light of the nature of some of their personal and trauma issues, and the humiliation and guilt they must endure, how can anyone expect these women veterans to open up to therapy and profit from mixed gendered group therapy? While some facilities have found innovative solutions to meet the unique needs of women veterans, others are still lagging behind. VVA requests that all residential treatment areas be evaluated for the ability to provide and facilitate these services, and that medical centers develop plans to ensure this accommodation.”
In urging support for special needs grants funding for programs designed to meet the needs of homeless veterans who are chronically mentally ill, the frail elderly, terminally ill, or women and women with children Ms. Four said, “The need for women-specific programs is easy to understand if we take it to the basics. First, there is a powerful need on the part of many of the women to avoid men due to the percentage of them who have suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of men. Second, we believe that successful programs are those that provide an atmosphere where the veterans can remain focused on themselves and their recovery, be it from addiction, or mental health problems. If a program is mixed gendered, the veterans have a tendency to ‘focus’ on or involve themselves with others that may be detrimental to their most successful program outcomes.”
With regard to military sexual trauma, she added, “The VA has given increasingly more attention to the issue of MST. Professional staff have been trained, specialists in this arena of treatment have been hired. Counselors are located in the Vet Centers. But, clearly the need is not decreasing. VVA believes more emphasis must be made on the qualification and certification of those providing this treatment and that more residential gender-specific/MST-specific programs should be initiated.”
