A number of women veterans experienced sexual trauma while serving on active military duty. While some of these women have sought counseling and treatment for their sexual trauma, many women have never discussed it with anyone. They are very uncomfortable talking about it now, and even wonder if they can, or if it would matter. Yet, these women know that they have "not felt the same" since it occurred.

Unfortunately, this is a very common reaction to sexual trauma. Many events are never reported. There are reasons for this silence, many of them based on misconceptions about women who have experienced sexual trauma. Nearly one third of all rape victims develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sometime during their lifetime. PTSD symptoms are often accompanied by physical problems and generally "not feeling well."

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care professionals are sensitive to the experience of sexual trauma and the impact it can have on a person's physical and emotional health. They understand the feelings of fear, anxiety, shame, anger and embarrassment that individuals who experienced sexual trauma can have when they try to talk about it. VA health care professionals can help women who are coping with sexual trauma to regain their confidence, self esteem, and quality of life. VA provides confidential, priority counseling and treatment for sexual trauma to eligible veterans.

Q. Who is eligible for counseling and treatment for sexual trauma under the Women Veterans Health Programs Act of 1992, as amended by the Veterans Health Programs Extension Act of 1994?

A. VA may provide counseling and treatment to veterans who VA determines require such counseling, care and services to overcome sexual trauma. The trauma may result from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while serving on active military duty. (* note Public Law 102-585, defines sexual harassment as repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.)

Q. Is a woman veteran eligible to receive care for sexual trauma, although it was never reported when it occurred?

A. Yes. To be eligible to receive counseling and treatment for sexual trauma from VA, there is no requirement that a woman veteran must have reported the sexual trauma when it occurred or at any time during her active military service.

Q. Where can a woman veteran receive care or more information regarding the VA sexual trauma services?

A. A woman veteran seeking counseling and treatment for sexual trauma should contact the Women Veterans Coordinator at the nearest VA medical center or vet center for assistance. The telephone number for the medical center or vet center can be found in the telephone directory under "U.S. Government" listings. The toll free telephone assistance number is 1 (800) 827-1000.

Q. Can a woman veteran who experienced sexual trauma while serving on active duty qualify for disability compensation?

A. VA may pay compensation to a woman veteran for disabilities incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, including disabilities or injuries resulting from sexual trauma. A Veterans Benefits Counselor (VBC) at a VA medical center or regional office can explain the compensation program in greater detail and assist in filing a claim. Information may also be obtained by calling 1-800-827-100O, and speaking with a VBC at the nearest VA regional office.

Q. What kind of help does a person with some of these symptoms need?

A. Frequently, people exposed to life- threatening trauma benefit from psychological counseling. Talking about one's experience, symptoms, fears and concerns with a trained professional usually results in the reduction of such problems and helps a person restore his/her sense of personal safety. Individuals who have experienced sexual trauma have been successfully treated in both individual and group therapy settings.

Q. Does sexual trauma have an impact on the mental and physical health of the victim?

A. Having been the victim of rape appears to significantly impact on the overall health of the victim. According to the 1988 report, "Rape in America," nearly one third (31%) of all rape victims develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) sometime during their lifetime. Additionally, researchers are beginning to notice a relationship between PTSD symptoms and an increase in physical health problems and reports of "not feeling well."

Q. What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

A. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a recurrent emotional reaction to a terrifying, uncontrollable or life threatening event. The symptoms frequently develop after a person's sense of safety and security is violated. Individuals with PTSD experience a variety of symptoms that often impede their daily lives. These may include sleep disturbances, nightmares, emotional instability, feelings of fear and anxiety around seemingly non- threatening situations, impaired concentration, and increased stress or problems in intimate and other interpersonal relationships. These reactions are common after a trauma and are part of the initial adjustment process.

Q. What other problems are commonly associated with rape related PTSD?

A. Recent research shows that women who have experienced rape or other violent crimes are more likely to develop problems with depression, drug and/or alcohol abuse, and suicidal thoughts than women who have not had such an experience. Also, it is not uncommon for women to feel shame, guilt or confusion about the rape itself. An increase in physical complaints has also been noted in survivors of rape who have PTSD.

Q. How does a woman know whether she needs treatment or what kind of treatment would be best for her?

A. If a woman has experienced sexual trauma and is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if she has experienced a general and continuing feeling of personal discomfort, the most important thing for her to do is to receive an evaluation by an appropriate health care professional who knows about the impact sexual trauma can have on a person's physical and emotional health. The health care professional can provide advice regarding available treatment options or an appropriate referral.

Q. I have never discussed my trauma with anyone and I am very frightened about talking about it now, and even wonder if I can. What can I do about this fear?

A. Unfortunately, this is a very common fear of women who have experienced sexual trauma. In fact, it is estimated that only sixteen percent of the rapes that occur in this country are ever officially reported. Many of the reasons for this silence are based on society's stereotypes of women who have experienced sexual trauma. It is important to remember that health care professionals have become increasingly sensitized to the experience of sexual trauma and the impact it can have on you. As a result, they are much more able to respond to the fears and anxieties you are experiencing. They will also understand the difficulty you have in discussing them with another person and will be able to help you express yourself in a way that is most comfortable for you.