sexhealthnews.org

As a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, my eye always goes toward anything that says sex in it. On Sunday July 27, 2008 the Alamogordo Daily News published a full page article written by Kimberly Hefling of the Associated Press with the headline: Assault victims in military face tough recovery. I was particularly interested in this article because I have treated military patients.

The article talked about victims not reporting right away, sexual assault as a consequence of war, the threat to front-line morale, performance, and long-term well-being. The victims did not report right away because they felt an obligation to continue the mission, not burden others, and wondered how the report would be received.  In January, the VA opened its 16^th inpatient ward specializing in treating victims of military sexual trauma. Psychologist Antonette Zeis of the VA’s office of Mental Health Services stated that identifying victims early and providing care early is going to be important in making a difference in the victim’s lifetime. The article cited several resources for military victims. Copies of this newspaper are available at the Alamogordo Public Library.

The article for me was confirmation of what I have been taught. These same themes occur in all walks of life all around the world.