Emmy Hildebrand
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I wanted to pause to thank the women serving in the Armed Forces and all women veterans for their sacrifices made in defense of our freedom. Though more than 3 million women have played significant roles since the Revolutionary War, it was only in 1948 the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act allowed women to serve as permanent, regular members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
As of 2021, more than 230,000 women are currently serving in the Armed Forces, accounting for 17% of the active-duty force and 21% of the Guard and Reserve forces.
As the number of women serving our country increases, so too are the number of women needing assistance after military service. In fact, women veterans are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population and are tow to three times likelier to experience homelessness than any other adult in the United States. While veteran homelessness increased by 4% across the country last year, the number of women veterans experiencing homelessness increased by 24%.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the leading factors contributing to homelessness for women veterans are military sexual assault, intimate partner violence, poverty, being a single parent, and trauma.
Over the past five years, the number of women seeking assistance at HVAF increased by 62%. In 2023, HVAF served 192 female veterans, accounting for nearly 15% of the total number of veterans served.
Disabled American Veterans recently published “Women Veterans: The Journey to Mental Wellness” study sharing alarming news regarding the risk of suicide for women veterans. The suicide rate among women veterans increased 24%, identical to the increase in women veterans facing homelessness. Women veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide as male veterans, and 50% of deaths among women veterans are from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
It is clear there is much work to do within the military, the VA and community providers to better address the needs of this vulnerable population. The increases in homelessness and suicide deaths are unacceptable. The DAV study made recommendations for gender-specific care and urged additional screenings for sexual trauma, among several other suggestions. The Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office made several recommendations based on the increase in reported sexual assaults in 2022, including hiring additional prevention staff and adjusting the prosecution process for offenders.
As a service provider, HVAF works to ensure that all veterans feel valued, respected, and safe receiving services. We understand the unique needs of women veterans and their families and focus on providing the gender-specific, holistic care needed through our housing, employment, and mental health services.
In 2023, HVAF served 1,349 veterans and provided more than 37,000 life-changing services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health, suicide or substance use crisis or emotional distress, reach out 24/7 to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) by dialing or texting 988 or using chat services at suicidepreventionlifeline.org to connect to a trained crisis counselor. You can also get crisis text support via the Crisis Text Line by texting NAMI to 741741.
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential hotline, online chat, or text. Dial 988 and Press 1 or visit veterancrisisline.net for crisis chat services and more information.
We must show our gratitude for women serving in the Armed Forces by ensuring they receive appropriate care during and after their service. Thank you for your support as we care for those who served our country.
Emmy Hildebrand is CEO of Indianapolis-based nonprofit Helping Veterans and Families, which helps homeless veterans return to self-sufficiency and engages at-risk veterans and their families to prevent them from becoming homeless by providing supportive housing, case management, employment support, therapy, and basic needs including food, hygiene and clothing. Send comments to [email protected].
