Comment: On a mission to end domestic violence, VA is here to help

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I’m writing in response to Patrisha McLean’s January 8 comment, “Maine Voices: Sentence in domestic violence murder bodes ill for women’s safety.”

Research from VA’s National Center for PTSD shows that veterans may be disproportionately affected by domestic violence. Alexxndr/Shutterstock.com

The mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs is to take care of those “who have borne the battle” and their families, caregivers and survivors. And as part of that mission, we are strongly committed to fighting and ending domestic violence by giving veterans the tools and support to foster healthy relationships. Since 2014, VA has provided comprehensive and integrated services to veterans and their partners who are victims of domestic violence through the Domestic Violence Assistance Program.

This program helps veterans, their partners, and VA personnel learn about warning signs, risky behaviors, and how to get help. These services are available to veterans, their partners, and even VA staff members who may be affected by any form of domestic violence (verbal, emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual).

According to Jill DeBord, executive director of VA Care Management and Social Work, about one in three women and one in four men in the general population report having been victims of domestic violence. Research from VA’s National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder shows that veterans can be disproportionately affected by domestic violence.

VA’s dedication to this issue goes beyond the current programs and services we offer. Recently, VA launched a pilot program to improve services for veterans who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault. This two-year initiative was launched in 10 VA medical facilities across the country, with a focus on strengthening community partnerships. It will also provide training to VA staff and community partners, identify effective clinical interventions, and provide outreach services to underserved areas and populations.

The pilot program, which stems from the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, MD Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, Title 5 Deborah Sampson Act, will allow us to better understand and address domestic violence and sexual assault in the veteran population.

We encourage your readers who are experiencing intimate partner violence, who are at risk of using intimate partner violence, or who are concerned about someone else to contact their local partner violence assistance program coordinator. VA, primary care social worker or other provider, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TTY). Female Veterans enrolled in VA Care can also contact their Female Veteran Program Manager.

In addition to the services of the VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program, veterans who experience domestic violence during military service and who develop subsequent physical or mental problems may be eligible for a disability award of GOES. These veterans can apply for disability compensation for any current conditions caused or aggravated by military service, including conditions related to sexual assault or harassment or domestic violence suffered during their military service.

Veterans who have suffered military sexual trauma and who have a current disability are encouraged to file a claim online. For help filing a claim, veterans can also:

• Name a veterans service organization.

• Contact a local military Sexual Trauma Awareness Coordinator.

• Dial 1-800-827-1000.

In the mission to end domestic violence, VA is here to help. For more information on available support services, visit the VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program or the VA Military Sexual Trauma Program.


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