Dear Editor:

When people think of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from war, they usually think of men.

Women veterans, especially of Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from PTSD also. A new factor in women veteran's PTSD is military rape by superior officers or even their own troop members. The suicide rate is higher for women veterans than civilian women and three times more for female veterans ages 18-34. Our country is only starting to uncover the extent of military rape.

Women veterans suffering from PTSD from military rape are not alone. The Family Refuge Center is a rape crisis center. Many victims never tell anyone about their rape. Many told and nothing was done to protect them. Victims dealing with PTSD have found support and new hope with new therapies that are working. Women dealing with PTSD have concerns about relationships, their families and children.

We are here to help you. We are here to listen to your story, to believe you and to help you heal. We thank you for serving our country and now, we are here to serve you.

For free, confidential support, call the Family Refuge Center in Greenbrier County at 304-645-6334, in Monroe County, 304-772-5005 and in Pocahontas County, 304-799-4400.

Danette Condon
Victim Advocate
Family Refuge Center
213 S. Jefferson St.
Lewisburg WV 24901