More women have fought and died in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars than in any other wars in our nation’s history, and more women than ever before are selecting to serve in the armed forces. However, the increase in numbers has not been met with an environment friendlier to women service members or veterans. In fact, the plight of female veterans is worse than ever.
What is little known to the public is that homelessness among women veterans is a growing problem. It is an issue that impacts servicewomen at a higher rate than their male counterparts. Currently, over 13,000 female veterans are now homeless after dedicating so much of themselves to our country.
The causes for homelessness among women veterans are similar to those for male veterans. Approximately 45% of homeless women veterans suffer from mental health issues, 70% from substance abuse. However, there is a factor causing mental health issues among women veterans that does not affect their male counterparts; 40% of servicewomen report sexual assault in the military. [Read more...]
