Call 1-800-MyVA411 to report harassment or sexual assault at VA

In 2020, VA established 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411), a national number that Veterans, their families, caregivers and survivors can contact when in need of assistance.

MyVA411 serves as a “front door” contact to VA and provides access to the broad spectrum of VA benefits and services. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the customer service representatives direct callers to the appropriate subject matter expert for benefits, health care services and so much more.

Veterans can also confidentially report incidents of sexual assault or harassment that occur at VA facilities by calling 1-800-MyVA411 (1-800-698-2411) and selecting option 9. The call center is staffed to answer reports of this nature all day every day. Follow-up health care and support will also be made available to those in need.

Supporting those who have experience harassment or sexual assault

Individuals who have experienced harassment or sexual assault now have another resource to report in real time without delay. Those affected, or bystanders, are encouraged to report any encounter of harassment or sexual assault, as soon as possible. An academic report by the City University of New York states that many instances of sexual violence go unreported to law enforcement. Only 34% are reported to the police. Resources like 1-800-MyVA411 make it easier for Veterans to report harassment or sexual assault incidents, file a complaint and seek help without physically being in a VA facility.

Bringing renewed awareness to sexual assault and prevention

“Maintaining a safe and welcoming environment at all VA facilities for Veterans, their caregivers, volunteers, visitors and employees is a key priority for VA,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “By creating multiple avenues for persons to report sexual harassment or sexual assault incidents, VA removes barriers to reporting and creates a quicker path for VA to investigate and take appropriate action.”

Veterans are still encouraged to report any instances of harassment or sexual assault while at a VA facility immediately to the VA police, a patient care advocate, their primary care provider, Women Veterans Program managers or a management official. All reports of harassment and sexual assault will be investigated and appropriate action will be taken.

VA also provides resources for Veterans and employees to intervene in instances of unwanted behavior. Bystander Intervention Training equips individuals with the tools and techniques needed to safely intervene or report unwelcome and offensive conduct. This free 30-minute training can be accessed and completed online.  

Many ways to report

After conducting surveys, research and gathering feedback, VA recognizes the need for Veterans to have additional avenues to report harassment and sexual assault. When handling traumatic incidents of this nature, it is critical to create an environment that allows experiencers and bystanders to report safely,” Jackson added. “This additional reporting eases the logistical and administrative burden from the Veteran. When Veterans leave a VA facility and want to report a harassment or sexual assault incident, they no longer have to return to the facility to do so. They can call 1-800-MyVA411 for assistance.” 

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