The information contained in this Guide is provided for educational and informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, policies, benefits, programs, and resources may change over time.
Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all information with official sources, including but not limited to the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal, state, or employer-specific programs before making career, financial, educational, financial, or housing decisions.
This guide does not constitute legal, financial, or career counseling advice, nor does it guarantee employment outcomes. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this guide.
By using this resource, you acknowledge that responsibility for verifying and applying information rests with the individual.
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Care at VA
Overview
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. VA provides free, confidential treatment for all Veterans and service members who experienced MST. No documentation of the assault or service connection is required.
Eligibility
All Veterans and service members, regardless of gender, discharge type, or VA enrollment. Care is available even if MST was not reported at the time.
What You Receive
Free counseling and medical services for MST-related issues (PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain).
Access to inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs. Male- and female-only treatment groups.
How to Apply / Access
Ask for the MST Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center. Call 877-222-8387 to connect with VA Health Benefits.
Domestic violence and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) are serious issues that affect Veterans, service members, and families. The VA has an IPV Assistance Program that helps survivors find safety, care, and long-term support.
Eligibility
Veterans, service members, and family members affected by domestic violence.
Available regardless of gender, marital status, or VA enrollment.
What You Receive
Confidential IPV screenings at VA facilities.
Counseling, mental health support, and medical treatment.
Safety planning and referral to community shelters and legal resources.
Responsible Office & Resource
VA – Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Program
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/
National Hotlines & Crisis Resources
Overview
National hotlines provide immediate, confidential crisis support for those impacted by sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence.
Eligibility
Veterans, service members, and their families.
Survivors of sexual assault, harassment, or domestic abuse.
What You Receive
24/7 connection to trained crisis responders.
Referrals to local shelters, medical services, and legal assistance.
How to Apply / Access
Veterans Crisis Line (VCL): Call 988, Press 1 | Text 838255 Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text “START” to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) https://www.rainn.org
Responsible Offices & Resources
VA – Veterans Crisis Line (OMHSP)
National Domestic Violence Hotline
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
DoD & Community Programs
Overview
The Department of Defense (DoD) and community partners provide additional prevention and response programs for MST and domestic violence survivors.
Eligibility
Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and family members.
Veterans and civilians seeking support from community resources.
What You Receive
DoD Family Advocacy Program (FAP): Counseling, advocacy, and safety services for military families affected by abuse.
Military OneSource: 24/7 non-medical counseling and referrals.
Community Shelters & Legal Aid: State and nonprofit agencies provide emergency housing, legal help, and support groups.
How to Apply / Access
Family Advocacy Program: contact your installation’s Family Advocacy Office.
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 https://www.militaryonesource.mil
RAINN: https://www.rainn.org
Responsible Offices & Resources
DoD – Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Military OneSource
Community nonprofit shelters (via https://www.thehotline.org)
Veteran Sisters
Overview
Veteran Sisters is a nonprofit providing peer-to-peer support, advocacy, and healing spaces for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Their “Battle Buddy” program ensures no Veteran faces recovery alone.
Eligibility
Women Veterans (primary audience).
Open to all Veterans who experienced MST.
What You Receive
Peer mentoring and support groups.
Advocacy for MST awareness and reform.
Survivor-led healing initiatives.
How to Apply / Access
Visit
Join a support group or request a peer mentor.
Responsible Office & Resource
Veteran Sisters (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://veteransisters.org
G.I. Josie
Overview
G.I. Josie provides non-clinical therapeutic support for women Veterans through wellness, creativity, and community connection. Their programs complement VA or clinical care.
Eligibility
Women Veterans (especially MST and trauma survivors).
What You Receive
Art therapy, wellness retreats, and creative programs.
Peer networks and supportive community.
How to Apply / Access
Visit https://gijosie.org
Explore retreat and wellness opportunities.
Responsible Office & Resource
G.I. Josie (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://gijosie.org
Protect Our Defenders
Overview
Protect Our Defenders is the only national organization solely dedicated to ending sexual violence in the military. They provide free legal services and advocacy for MST survivors.
Eligibility
Active-duty service members, Veterans, civilians working with military who experienced MST.
What You Receive
Free legal representation and victim advocacy.
Policy reform efforts to improve justice system protections.
Survivor support through casework.
How to Apply / Access
Visit https://www.protectourdefenders.com
Apply online for legal assistance.
Responsible Office & Resource
Protect Our Defenders (Nonprofit)
Resource: https: //www.protectourdefenders.com
Wounded Warrior Project (MST Resources)
Overview
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides counseling, retreats, and peer support tailored
Confidential counseling and therapy.
Peer groups for MST survivors.
Access to broader WWP mental health and wellness programs.
Military OneSource connects service members and families with domestic abuse prevention, counseling, and referrals through the Family Advocacy Program (FAP).
Provides free legal services to Veterans, including those pursuing VA benefits related to MST or domestic violence.
Eligibility
Veterans needing legal representation in VA appeals or claims.
What You Receive
Pro bono legal representation in VA benefits cases.
Guidance through the VA appeal system.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://www.vetsprobono.org
Responsible Offices & Resources
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Resource: https://www.vetsprobono.org
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF)
Overview
DVNF provides direct support to at-risk or disabled Veterans, including those impacted by trauma, MST, or abuse
Eligibility
All Veterans with service-connected or non-service-connected disabilities.
What You Receive
Financial support and assistance grants.
Wellness and mental health programs.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://www.dvnf.org
Responsible Offices & Resources
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://www.dvnf.org
CreatiVets
Overview
CreatiVets helps Veterans heal from trauma, including MST, through music, writing, and visual arts therapy programs.
Eligibility
All Veterans, especially those with PTSD or trauma.
What You Receive
Free art and music therapy workshops.
Peer connections through creative programs.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://creativets.org
Responsible Offices & Resources
CreatiVets (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://creativets.org
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Overview
Provides financial, family, and wellness support to wounded, ill, or injured service members and families, including those facing trauma recovery needs.
Eligibility
Post-9/11 service members and families with severe wounds, illnesses, or injuries.
What You Receive
Case management, financial aid, and caregiver support.
Wellness programs including counseling and community events.
