www.varep.org | 855-461-0860 | education@varep.org
Disclaimer
This guide is published by USA Homeownership Foundation, Inc., dba the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), and is intended solely for general informational and educational purposes. It is not legal, financial, tax, or credit advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional consultation with qualified attorneys, financial advisors, or licensed housing counselors.
Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all information with o cial sources, including but not limited to the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans A airs (VA), Department of Labor (DOL), O ce of Personnel Management (OPM), United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other federal, state, or employer-specific programs before making career, financial, educational, financial, or housing decisions.
This guide does not constitute legal, financial, or career counseling advice, nor does it guarantee employment outcomes. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this guide.
By using this resource, you acknowledge that responsibility for verifying and applying information rests with the individual.
DoD & Community Programs (FAP, Military OneSource, RAINN,
Veteran Sisters
G.I. Josie
Protect Our Defenders
Wounded
VA
VA
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Care at VA
Overview
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. VA provides free, confidential treatment for all Veterans and service members who experienced MST. No documentation of the assault or service connection is required.
Eligibility
All Veterans and service members, regardless of gender, discharge type, or VA enrollment.
Care is available even if MST was not reported at the time.
What You Receive
Free counseling and medical services for MST-related issues (PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain).
Access to inpatient, residential, and outpatient programs. Male- and female-only treatment groups.
How to Apply / Access
Ask for the MST Coordinator at your local VA Medical Center. Call 877-222-8387 to connect with VA Health Benefits.
Learn more: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA – O ce of Mental Health Services, MST Program
Phone: 877-222-8387
Resource: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp
Domestic Violence & Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance
Overview
Domestic violence and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) are serious issues that a ect Veterans, service members, and families. The VA has an IPV Assistance Program that helps survivors find safety, care, and long-term support.
Eligibility
Veterans, service members, and family members a ected by domestic violence.
Available regardless of gender, marital status, or VA enrollment.
What You Receive
Confidential IPV screenings at VA facilities.
Counseling, mental health support, and medical treatment.
Safety planning and referral to community shelters and legal resources.
How to Apply / Access
Contact your local VA IPV Coordinator (every VA Medical Center has one).
Call VA Social Work Services at your VA facility.
Learn more: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA – Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Program
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/
National Hotlines & Crisis Resources
National hotlines provide immediate, confidential crisis support for those impacted by sexual assault, harassment, or domestic violence.
Eligibility
Overview Veterans, service members, and their families.
Survivors of sexual assault, harassment, or domestic abuse.
What You Receive
24/7 connection to trained crisis responders.
Referrals to local shelters, medical services, and legal assistance.
How to Apply / Access
Veterans Crisis Line (VCL): Call 988, Press 1 | Text 838255 Chat: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text “START” to 88788 https://www.thehotline.org
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) https://www.rainn.org
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA – Veterans Crisis Line (OMHSP)
National Domestic Violence Hotline RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Overview
DoD & Community Programs
The Department of Defense (DoD) and community partners provide additional prevention and response programs for MST and domestic violence survivors.
Veterans and civilians seeking support from community resources. Eligibility
Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and family members.
What You Receive
DoD Family Advocacy Program (FAP): Counseling, advocacy, and safety services for military families a ected by abuse.
Military OneSource: 24/7 non-medical counseling and referrals.
Community Shelters & Legal Aid: State and nonprofit agencies provide emergency housing, legal help, and support groups.
How to Apply / Access
Family Advocacy Program: contact your installation’s Family Advocacy O ce.
Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647 | https://www.militaryonesource.mil
RAINN: https://www.rainn.org
Responsible O ce & Resource
DoD – Family Advocacy Program (FAP)
Military OneSource Community nonprofit shelters (via https://www.thehotline.org)
Veteran Sisters
Overview
Veteran Sisters is a nonprofit providing peer-to-peer support, advocacy, and healing spaces for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Their “Battle Buddy” program ensures no Veteran faces recovery alone.
Eligibility
Women Veterans (primary audience).
Open to all Veterans who experienced MST.
What You Receive
Peer mentoring and support groups.
Advocacy for MST awareness and reform.
Survivor-led healing initiatives.
How to Apply / Access
Visit https://veteransisters.org
Join a support group or request a peer mentor.
Responsible O ce & Resource
Veteran Sisters (Nonprofit) Resource: https://veteransisters.org
G.I. Josie
Overview
G.I. Josie provides non-clinical therapeutic support for women Veterans through wellness, creativity, and community connection. Their programs complement VA or clinical care.
Eligibility
Women Veterans (especially MST and trauma survivors).
What You Receive
Art therapy, wellness retreats, and creative programs.
Peer networks and supportive community.
How to Apply / Access
Visit https://gijosie.org
Explore retreat and wellness opportunities.
Responsible O ce & Resource
G.I. Josie (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://gijosie.org
Protect Our Defenders
Overview
Protect Our Defenders is the only national organization solely dedicated to ending sexual violence in the military. They provide free legal services and advocacy for MST survivors.
Eligibility
Active-duty service members, Veterans, civilians working with military who experienced MST.
What You Receive
Free legal representation and victim advocacy. Policy reform e orts to improve justice system protections.
Survivor support through casework.
How to Apply / Access
Visit https://www.protectourdefenders.com
Apply online for legal assistance.
Responsible O ce & Resource
Protect Our Defenders (Nonprofit)
Resource: https: //www.protectourdefenders.com
Wounded Warrior Project (MST Resources)
Overview
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) provides counseling, retreats, and peer support tailored to Veterans who have experienced MST, in addition to their broader mental health programs.
Eligibility
All Veterans, regardless of service era.
Families of MST survivors.
What You Receive
Confidential counseling and therapy.
Peer groups for MST survivors.
Access to broader WWP mental health and wellness programs.
How to Apply / Access
MST Resource Page: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mst-resources
General WWP intake form on website.
Responsible O ce & Resource
Wounded Warrior Project (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mst-resources
Overview
VA Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)
VA’s IPVAP screens and assists Veterans experiencing domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, helping survivors and those at risk.
Eligibility
All Veterans, regardless of gender or VA enrollment.
What You Receive
Confidential screening and counseling.
Safety planning and referrals to shelters/legal aid.
Education for partners and VA sta .
How to Apply / Access
Ask for an IPV Coordinator at your VA Medical Center. Learn more: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA – Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Resource: https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV
VA Women Veterans Health Care
IPV Resources
Overview
VA Women’s Health integrates intimate partner violence screening and response into women’s health care.
Eligibility
Women Veterans using VA health services.
What You Receive
IPV screening in primary care and OB/GYN visits.
Access to safe housing, counseling, and protective resources.
How to Apply / Access
Ask your VA Women’s Health provider.
Learn more: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/intimate-partner-violence.asp
Responsible O ce & Resource
VA – Women Veterans Health Care Resource: https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/intimate -partner-violence.asp
Military OneSource – Domestic Abuse Help
Overview
Military OneSource connects service members and families with domestic abuse prevention, counseling, and referrals through the Family Advocacy Program (FAP).
Eligibility
Active duty, Guard, Reserve, and family members.
What You Receive
Confidential non-medical counseling.
Domestic abuse hotlines and local FAP services.
Safety planning and community referrals.
How to Apply / Access
Call 1-800-342-9647
Visit: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships /prevent-violence-abuse/domestic-abuse-help
Responsible O ce & Resource
DoD – Family Advocacy Program (via Military OneSource)
Resource: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships /prevent-violence-abuse/domestic-abuse-help
National Hotlines & Crisis Resources
Overview
Provides free legal services to Veterans, including those pursuing VA benefits related to MST or domestic violence.
Eligibility
Veterans needing legal representation in VA appeals or claims.
What You Receive
Pro bono legal representation in VA benefits cases. Guidance through the VA appeal system.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://www.vetsprobono.org
Responsible O ce & Resource
Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
Resource: https://www.vetsprobono.org
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF)
Overview
DVNF provides direct support to at-risk or disabled Veterans, including those impacted by trauma, MST, or abuse
Eligibility
All Veterans with service-connected or non-service-connected disabilities.
What You Receive
Financial support and assistance grants.
Wellness and mental health programs.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://www.dvnf.org
Responsible O ce & Resource
Disabled Veterans National Foundation (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://www.dvnf.org
CreatiVets
Overview
CreatiVets helps Veterans heal from trauma, including MST, through music, writing, and visual arts therapy programs.
Eligibility
All Veterans, especially those with PTSD or trauma.
Peer connections through creative programs. What You Receive
Free art and music therapy workshops.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://creativets.org
Responsible O ce & Resource
CreatiVets (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://creativets.org
Overview
Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Provides financial, family, and wellness support to wounded, ill, or injured service members and families, including those facing trauma recovery needs.
Eligibility
Post-9/11 service members and families with severe wounds, illnesses, or injuries.
What You Receive
Case management, financial aid, and caregiver support.
Wellness programs including counseling and community events.
How to Apply / Access
Website: https://thefund.org
Responsible O ce & Resource
Semper Fi & America’s Fund (Nonprofit)
Resource: https://thefund.org
STRENGTHENING MINDS, SAVING LIVES — ONE VETERAN AT A TIME!
We hope this guide has provided you with essential resources, clarity, and support to help navigate the challenges of Military Sexual Trauma and Domestic or Intimate Partner Violence. Whether you are seeking confidential counseling, crisis assistance, legal guidance, or simply reassurance that help exists — know that support is available.
Remember: You are not alone. Your experiences matter. Your strength matters. Reaching out for help is not a weakness — it is an act of courage and self-respect.
Healing takes time, but it is possible. Together, we can foster safety, resilience, and hope while honoring the lives and service of those who have served.
Need More Help?
Call us: 888-511-2296
Email: info@varep.org
Visit us: varep.org
We are here to walk beside you on your path to recovery and wellness.
Your mental and emotional well-being matters — and together, we can build a stronger, healthier future.