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On April 28th, 1-2 PM ET, VA and community experts will be here to answer your questions on bystander intervention techniques and available VA resources. Learn what to do if you witness harassment or sexual assault. Type your questions in now!

You can ask questions to the following people:
» CPO Missina Schallus - Communications Manager, Center for Women Veterans, VA
» Jennifer Knetig - National Program Manager, VA (Megabus)
» LeAnn Bruce - National Program Manager, VA (IPVAP)
» Erinn Izykowski - Program Specialist, VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office
» Gina Baumgartner - Program Specialist, VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office
» Maria Shores - Program Specialist, VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office
» Tisha Petelo - Program Specialist, VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office

» Help to keep VA environment safe and welcoming. Learn how to recognize and respond to harassment or sexual assault.
» Go to http://www.veterantraining.va.gov/bystandertraining. Be sure to get your certificate of completion.
» The VA is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment at every VA facility. We thank all Veterans for their service to our nation and for their commitment to a safe and welcoming VA.
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Responses: 30
Maj Kim Patterson
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So far I have seen a lot of talk but fail to see any action. #metoo
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Erinn Izykowski
Erinn Izykowski
12 mo
COL Randall C. - Thank you for sharing the Military Sexual Trauma (MST) VA site. This site provides great information on support.
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Erinn Izykowski
Erinn Izykowski
12 mo
Maj Kim Patterson - I’m so sorry to hear about your experiences of military sexual trauma (MST) and how you’ve been impacted. A Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) MST Outreach Coordinator can help with any questions you have about MST-related claims and can also assist with the claims process. A list of VBA MST Outreach Coordinators is available at https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/mstcoordinators.asp. Please also know that VA provides free care for mental and physical health conditions related to MST. Eligibility for this care is expansive and some former Service members can receive MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA care. To learn more, please visit http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/mst or contact the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) MST Coordinator at your local VA medical facility.
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Erinn Izykowski
Erinn Izykowski
12 mo
PO3 James Heine - Thank you for sharing. Harassment or sexual assault can occur to anyone regardless of gender/gender identity.
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Jennifer Knetig
Jennifer Knetig
12 mo
Major Patterson, thank you for your openness. I want you to know that in addition to what has been mentioned by my colleagues, Care Management and Social Work Services is running a two year pilot that is exploring how we serve Veterans who have, or are experiencing sexual assault. This pilot is comprehensive, to look at all aspects of care for survivors of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. The pilot ends with a report to Congress. We are meeting with Veterans around the country to get feedback regarding how we can do better. We appreciate your post, and welcome your feedback. Take care of yourself and thank you for your service.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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thanks for sharing
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LeAnn Bruce
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Greetings!
I am Dr LeAnn Bruce, the National Program Manager for the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP). IPVAP's mission is to foster relationship health and safety through offering training, education, awareness and intervention for eligible Veterans who wish to improve their relationships or who are impacted or at-risk for intimate partner violence. It is a pleasure to be here to answer your questions. For additional information on our programs, or to find contact in formation for your local IPVAP Coordinator - go to http://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp
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