{"id":8374,"date":"2024-01-30T15:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T15:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8374"},"modified":"2024-01-30T15:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-01-30T15:30:00","slug":"the-link-between-sexual-violence-and-suicide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8374","title":{"rendered":"The link between sexual violence and suicide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-01-30T15:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

VA\u2019s Under Secretary for Health, Dr. Shereef Elnahal, calls suicide prevention \u201cour most important clinical priority<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n

In identifying the many factors that contribute to suicide, it becomes even more imperative to emphasize a less discussed and contributing risk: sexual violence.<\/p>\n

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network describes \u201csexual violence\u201d<\/a> as an all-encompassing non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, military sexual trauma (MST) or intimate partner violence (IPV).<\/p>\n

MST specifically refers to experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment that happened during military service. IPV is a specific type of domestic violence that refers to physical, verbal, emotional and sexual abuse as well as stalking between intimate partners.<\/p>\n

As a Veteran-centered service provider, VA recognizes that both MST and IPV underscore the need for comprehensive mental health and support services tailored to the specific challenges faced by Veterans. It is also important to note that sexual violence is a pervasive issue that can affect individuals regardless of sex. Contrary to stereotypes, both men and women can experience sexual violence.<\/p>\n

VA is committed to providing supportive services to those who have experienced sexual violence. We have a dedicated Assault and Harassment Prevention Office<\/a> to systematically facilitate national harassment and sexual assault prevention and recovery strategies that promote a culture of respect and safety.<\/p>\n

Learn more<\/a>\u00a0about MST and the treatment options available for you or a Veteran you know. For more information about IPV or to contact your local\u00a0Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program<\/a>, Primary Care Social Worker or go to this VA website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Connection between sexual violence and suicide<\/h2>\n

People who experience sexual violence often face tough challenges in getting better, and some even think about hurting themselves. Extensive research done on the impact sexual violence has on mental health consistently shows clear connections to suicide.<\/p>\n

One study<\/a> done among men who experienced sexual violence found that the impact is so profound that individuals find it hard to express the depth of their pain.<\/p>\n

This level of insight sheds light on the emotional burden carried by those who have experienced sexual violence, emphasizing the urgent need for support and prevention measures.<\/p>\n

It is important to tackle sexual violence comprehensively. Doing so can play a big role in reducing sexual violence and lowering the chances of suicide. It is important to focus on both preventing sexual violence and providing strong mental health support.<\/p>\n

Leading with hope<\/h2>\n

Every suicide is a tragedy, and we must recognize the impact sexual violence creates. By raising awareness about its far-reaching consequences and prioritizing sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention efforts, we can take a significant step toward preventing suicide.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call 988. You\u2019ll be connected with one of our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of the responders are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free and available 24\/7.<\/p>\n

For more information about how you can reduce instances of harassment or sexual assault at VA and create a more respectful, welcoming environment for all, visit the VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs<\/a>. Its Veterans is an independent publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Here are the resources available to those who have experienced military sexual trauma, sexual harassment and sexual assault.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":67,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-u-s-veterans-health-care","category-mental-health-recovery"],"yoast_head":"\nThe link between sexual violence and suicide - Its Veterans<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Here are the resources available to those who have experienced military sexual trauma, sexual harassment and sexual assault.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8374\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The link between sexual violence and suicide - 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