November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, and this year we want to highlight the experiences and needs of our female Veterans. Women have served in every U.S. conflict in some capacity, and today they serve in every branch of the military—making them one of the fastest-growing and most diverse segments of the Veteran population.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2022 an average of 17.6 Veterans died by suicide each day, based on 6,407 Veteran suicides that year.
https://news.va.gov/137221/va-2024-suicide-prevention-annual-report/

Women Veterans face a range of unique mental health challenges, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, reproductive mental health conditions, and eating disorders. Studies suggest that 81–93% of women Veterans have experienced at least one traumatic event at some point in their lives.
https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/invisible-ranks-the-untold-battle-for-women-veterans-mental-health

Female Veteran Facts

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST):
  About 1 in 3 women Veterans enrolled in VA health care report experiencing MST (sexual harassment or sexual assault during military service).
  https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/Women-Veterans-Study-2024.pdf
• Impact on Mental Health:
  MST is strongly associated with a higher risk of suicide among women Veterans. While rates vary by study, research consistently shows significantly elevated suicide risk among those who report MST.
  https://www.dav.org/wp-content/uploads/Women-Veterans-Study-2024.pdf
• Access to Health Care:
  Women Veterans often encounter challenges in accessing women-specific health services and may face additional hurdles when adjusting to civilian life after service.
  https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/docs/Study-of-Barriers-for-Women-Veterans-to-VA-Health-Care.pdf

Although the VA has made important progress in addressing women-specific health and mental health needs, more work is needed to ensure that our sisters in arms receive the support, care, and recognition they deserve—both during and after their service.

How You Can Help

If you know a female Veteran who is struggling—or the family of one—you can offer meaningful support by connecting them with resources designed specifically for women Veterans:

Women-Centered Veteran Resources

• VA Mental Health Services for Women Veterans:
  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/women-vets/index.asp
• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Women Veterans Initiative:
  https://www.dav.org/women-veterans-study/

If You Believe a Veteran Is in Crisis

The VA recommends the S.A.V.E. steps:

• S—Recognize the warning Signs of suicidal thinking
• A—Ask directly: “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”
• V—Validate the Veteran’s experience
• E—Encourage treatment and help them get support

Download the VA Suicide Prevention S.A.V.E. training brochure:
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/VA_SAVE_Training.pdf

All of our Veterans—women and men alike—have put their physical, emotional, and mental health on the line to protect our freedom. This month and every month, let’s ensure they receive the respect, compassion, and support they may need.

For more information about VA mental health services, visit:
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/