Cincinnati vamc recognizes sexual assault awareness month | va cincinnati health care | veterans affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to supporting Veterans who experienced sexual trauma year-round. Each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), VA amplifies

our efforts to reach out to sexual trauma survivors of all backgrounds and genders. We also share information about compassionate care and resources for healing at the Veterans Health

Administration. YOU’RE NOT ALONE Every VA has staff specially designated to help survivors of all types of sexual trauma access services. Here are some of the staff members locally who can

help you: INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV) ASSISTANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR: JESSICA THIEDE, PSY.D. 513-276-1800 [email protected] Intimate partner violence refers to physical, verbal,

emotional or sexual abuse, as well as stalking, between intimate partners. Veterans, their partners, and VA staff impacted by IPV can contact the IPV Assistance Program Coordinator for help.

MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA COORDINATOR: NICOLE KLEIN, LISW-S 513-861-3100 X 205960 [email protected] Military sexual trauma is sexual assault or harassment that occurs during military

service. MST survivors can contact the MST Coordinator to connect to VA’s free MST-related care. WOMEN VETERAN PROGRAM MANAGER: JANE POPOOLA, MSN, RN 513-861-3100 EXT. 206890

[email protected] Women Veteran Program Managers advocate for you and help you navigate VA. VET CENTERS: Local community-based Vet Centers offer free counseling and referral services for

MST survivors and others. Learn more and locate the Vet Center nearest you at www.vetcenter.va.gov. NATIONAL RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS VA ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT PREVENTION OFFICE: Visit

www.va.gov/STOP-HARASSMENT for information on care and support if you experience or witness sexual assault or harassment at a VA facility, as well as a comprehensive listing of VA and

community resources for survivors. VA IPV ASSISTANCE PROGRAM WEBSITE: If you or someone you know could be experiencing and/or using IPV, help and resources are available at

www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV. VHA MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA (MST) WEBSITE: Information on VA’s MST-related services, eligibility for MST-related care and coping resources is available at

www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mst. BEYOND MST APP: This free, secure, and private self-help mobile app, which was created specifically to support the health and well-being of MST survivors, can be

downloaded from any app store. MYPLAN APP: This free app available at www.myplanapp.org can help with safety decisions if you, or someone you care about, is experiencing abuse in their

intimate relationship. WOMEN VETERANS CALL CENTER: The Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636 will help you navigate the VA and connect you with the appropriate point of contact at your

local VA medical center. VETERANS CRISIS LINE: Dial 988 then Press 1, text 838255 or chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net/chat to reach one of VA’s caring, qualified responders If you

experience harassment or sexual assault at any of our VA locations, we encourage you to reach out for help and to report it. AT VA, WE TAKE ALL REPORTS OF HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT SERIOUSLY,

and we will investigate and take appropriate action. Please contact the VA Police, the Patient Advocate or any of your current VA providers for help.