Easing Transition to Civilian Life for Women Veterans

Women make up 15 percent of US active duty troops, and they often face unique challenges during their deployment—and after they come home. Unlike veterans with physical wounds, post-traumatic stress disorder, or adjustment problems such as substance abuse or depression, who can look to the VA and other groups for help, many who don’t have such issues also may struggle to readjust. Two BU School of Medicine researchers are building the Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) to help women who have served to thrive in civilian life.

“We wanted to build this network for women veterans of all eras, increasing support, decreasing isolation, helping them find camaraderie in the community, and using all that as a platform to provide reliable information and resources,” says Tara Galovski, a MED associate professor of psychiatry and director of the Women’s Health Sciences Division at the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System Jamaica Plain campus.

All soldiers returning to civilian life have to deal with the loss of the unit cohesion and support structures they had during their service, two assets that have been shown to be particularly important for women, according to Amy Street, a MED associate professor of psychiatry and Women’s Health Sciences Division deputy director. Galovski and Street were recently awarded a $469,000, 15-month grant from the Walmart Foundation to bring together women vets for learning, conversation, and mutual support. The money is part of a $40 million Walmart commitment to job training, education, and innovative programs to aid veterans returning to civilian life.

Read the full article via BU TODAY