Honoring Veterans’ Voices - VA Long Beach Healthcare System
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VA Long Beach Healthcare System

 

Honoring Veterans’ Voices

Photos of Panayiota, while in the Service and now.

Panayiota shared her story at Make the Connection, a public awareness campaign by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that provides personal testimonials and resources to help Veterans discover ways to improve their lives.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Through Veterans’ own voices, Veterans have the chance to hear from trusted and credible sources—other Veterans like themselves.

“I felt it was easier not to sleep, than to sleep and get awaken by a nightmare,” voiced Panayiota, US Coast Guard, 2005-2007.

Panayiota served in the Coast Guard, and she was assaulted by a shipmate. After her discharge, she felt as if she had failed at her career. She had nightmares, flashbacks, and a lot of anger. At VA, she found a therapist who helped her realize it was not her fault. Now, a counselor at the Vet Center is helping her find healing.

“I feel all survivors should find what helps them and know that there is help out there,” Panayiota said.

And she is absolutely right.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and VA Long Beach Healthcare System is sponsoring an event to raise awareness of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and free programs available for Veteran survivors.

Mark your calendars – April 29 is the date.

There will be three activities for you to participate.

Photo of t-shirts hung side-by-side and the words “SAAM Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Wednesday, April 29, Outside Canteen Area, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Short Walk starts at noon.”

Visit the Clothesline display, walk to increase sexual assault awareness and learn about sexual trauma.

Visit the Clothesline Project Display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It is a powerful visual display of t-shirts created by male and female VA Long Beach Veteran survivors of sexual assault, reflecting their experience and recovery. Shirts are hung side-by-side to ‘Break the Silence’ and to raise awareness of the impact of sexual trauma.

Walk to increase sexual assault awareness at noon.

Meet us outside the Canteen for a short walk around VA Long Beach! Wear denim in support of Denim Day, a National Sexual Assault Prevention Education Campaign that encourages individuals to wear jeans as a visible statement against the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault and the legal definition of consent.

Receive information and pass the word

Veterans can receive free, confidential treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). To receive these services, you do not need a VA service-connected disability rating, to have reported the incident when it happened, or have other documentation that it occurred.

Visit http://www.longbeach.va.gov/services/mst.asp or contact VA Long Beach’s MST Coordinator, Dr. Gretchen Sholty at 562-826-8000, ext. 2753, to learn more about free VA services available for Veterans who experienced sexual assault or harassment during their military service.

Remember – No documentation of MST is needed and you may be able to receive services even if you are not eligible for other VA care.

Panayiota’s full story can be watched at http://maketheconnection.net/stories/story.aspx?story_id=337

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