Decker, S. E., Rosenheck, R. A., Tsai, J., Hoff, R., & Harpaz-Rotem, I. (2013). Military sexual assault and homeless women veterans: Clinical correlates and treatment preferences. Womens Health Issues, 23(6), e373-e380. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2013.09.002

Homeless female Veterans were interviewed about their experiences with military sexual assault, other potentially traumatic experiences, and mental health symptoms. Findings indicate that a large proportion of homeless female Veterans have experienced military sexual assault, and that military sexual assault is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric symptoms. However, those who have experienced military sexual assault also show more interest in and receptivity toward therapy than their peers who have not experienced military sexual assault.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2013.09.002

Mental health
Physical health
Trauma
Veterans

Army

Veteran

Adulthood (18 yrs & older)

Empirical Study
Interview
Quantitative Study

Decker, Suzanne E., Rosenheck, Robert A., Tsai, Jack, Hoff, Rani, Harpaz-Rotem, Ilan

Background Both homeless women and women who have experienced military sexual assault (MSA) are at high risk of serious psychological sequelae. However, little is known about the combined impact of MSA and current homelessness on psychological distress, or about distinctive treatment preferences among homeless female veterans affected by MSA. Methods This observational study compared clinical symptoms, pre-military experiences, and treatment preferences among 509 female veterans with and without MSA who enrolled in 11 VA Homeless Women Veterans Programs. Results Over one third of participants (41.1%) reported MSA. In multivariate analyses, homeless female veterans who reported MSA endorsed greater severity of PTSD and other psychiatric symptoms. Those who had experienced MSA were more likely to report interest in treatment, and treatment focused on safety was reported as especially attractive. Conclusions Among homeless female veterans, MSA is associated with greater mental health symptoms and greater interest in safety-focused treatment. Services targeting the needs of homeless MSA survivors should be encouraged.

Elsevier Science

Article
REACH Publication

VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, SED
VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, RAR
VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, JT
Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, RH
VA New England Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, IHR