VA briefs lawmakers on domestic and sexual violence programs

Every Veteran deserves safety, dignity and support, and VA is expanding nationwide efforts to ensure survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual assault receive exactly that.

On March 10, Lynda Davis, Ph.D., VA’s chief Veterans Experience Officer, joined Senators Joni Ernst (R‑Iowa) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D‑N.Y.), with leaders from the National Domestic Violence Hotline and survivor advocates for a bipartisan congressional roundtable focused on improving care for survivors.

During the roundtable, Davis emphasized the unique needs of military and Veteran survivors and the importance of strong, coordinated support systems. She reaffirmed VA’s commitment to ensuring survivors can access compassionate, timely help—whether through VA health services, community partners, crisis hotlines or digital platforms.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that 81% of women and 43% of men experience sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime, with more than half identifying the perpetrator as an intimate partner or someone they know. These statistics highlight the urgent need for unified, survivor‑centered support.

VA’s Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP) has been collaborating with VA’s Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Program and the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office (AHPO) to expand awareness, training and resources for those supporting Veterans impacted by sexual violence. Regardless of when the trauma occurred, VA remains dedicated to helping survivors heal.

Expanding support and resources

VA continues to strengthen programs designed to support survivors of IPV, domestic violence and sexual assault. Available resources include:

• Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP): Safety planning, counseling and support at every VA medical center.
• Assault and Harassment Prevention Office (AHPO): Prevention policies, anti-harassment initiatives, bystander intervention training and the White Ribbon VA campaign.
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Services: Free, confidential MST‑related care—no VA enrollment required.
• Beyond MST App: Confidential mobile app offering coping tools and resources
• 1‑800‑MyVA411 (1‑800‑698‑2411): Confidential reporting for sexual assault or harassment which collaborates with the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800‑799‑7233 (SAFE)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 24/7 support—call 988, then press 1.
• Veterans Experiencing IPV or Sexual Assault Task Force: Established under the Deborah Sampson Act to improve protections and care

A continued commitment to survivors

Participation in this event reinforces VA’s ongoing dedication to listening to survivors and ensuring every Veteran has access to the care and support they deserve.

If you or someone you know is experiencing intimate partner violence or thoughts of self‑harm, contact:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800‑799‑7233 (SAFE).
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800‑656‑4673.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.