Healing is possible
In middle Tennessee, April is commonly known for its April showers and blossoming florals causing Tennesseans to reach for their allergy medicine, but at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System (TVHS), April is a time to highlight and support survivors of military sexual trauma and sexual assault.
“I just want Veterans to know that there really are people that care [at TVHS],” said Rachel Marchbanks, Retired Army Staff Sgt. “My experiences with the military sexual trauma program at TVHS have been an incredible source of support. It’s been a space to just be myself, be accepted, be validated and to be helped.”
Prior to joining TVHS as a peer support specialist, Marchbanks proudly served 20 years in the Army and retired in 2008. During her years of service, she became a survivor of military sexual trauma.
“Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurs during military service,” said the TVHS Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator. “Anyone in the military can experience it, and military sexual trauma can happen at any time or place. It can happen on or off duty and while on or off base.”
According to data from VA in May 2021, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men state they experienced military sexual trauma. Common symptoms and side effects from military sexual trauma can include feelings of numbness, anger, trouble sleeping, feeling isolated or depressed, weight gain, or substance and alcohol abuse.
TVHS provides free treatment to enrolled Veterans for any physical or mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. Treatment can be done through individual outpatient visits, support groups, or residential programs for more intensive care. Veterans do not need documentation of the experience to receive health care.
“I kept coming back to TVHS because of the support from the program and my clinicians,” said Marchbanks. “There was a genuine concern and support for my wellbeing. I thought, ‘yeah, this is where I need to be.’”
As a peer support specialist, Marchbanks now helps other Veterans with their healing and experiences.
“I want Veterans to know that it’s okay, and we believe in you,” she said. “There is a system in place to provide us the assistance, the support, the connection and the health care that we need.”
Veterans interested in the TVHS Military Sexual Trauma Program can call 615-873-6110 or visit www.MentalHealth.va.gov/msthome. Veterans needing immediate assistance can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.