Veterans of War

Over the past few years, an increasing number of condemning stories have come out regarding the prevalence of sexual assault and coverup in the military. According to the Department of Defense's 2012 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, only 300 of 3,374 reported assualts were prosecuted while an estimated 26,000 assults went unreported. Much has been written about how the hyper-masculine environment of the military and the strict chain of command structure contribute to the severe descrepancy in reported incidents and as such, reforms are currently being instituted. But what of those service-women who have already left the military? The ones who may have been assaulted but were denied justice? Where are they now?

The answers to these questions are rather disappointing. Recent stories regarding veteran affairs have highlighted a disturbing rise in homeless female veterans. According to the latest figures from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, female veterans made up 10% of the 141,000 veterans nationwide who spent at least one night in a shelter in 2011; up from 7.5% in 2009. Perhaps more disconcerting, however, are the the factors that researchers suggest have contributed to this rise. A study by Dr. Donna Washington of UCLA's School of Medicine found that 53% of homeless female vets had experienced Military Sexual Trauma, or M.T.S. Such experiences oftentimes lead to PTSD and substance abuse. When combined with the challenges of finding a job and the lack tranisitional housing options for single mothers with kids, the downward spiral often appeared inevitable.

In 2014, we at 3 Generations hope to continue our veterans project by providing a platform for homeless female veterans to tell their stories; a right many were denied while in service. You can help us in this endeavor by donating today. Remember, every bit helps!