Veterans Struggling After Sexual Assault Increasingly Turn To Service Dogs - Miranda Farrar

This article, covering the topic of sexually assaulted veterans turning to psychiatric service dogs for help, focuses on the story of Leigh Michel, a former first sergeant of the U.S. Army. Michel has a service dog, named Lizzy, because she experiences MST, military sexual trauma. Michel served as a chaplain assistant, and she had to endure trauma while listening to the gruesome experiences of others in the army. Furthermore, she experienced sexual assault at least three times between 1990 and 2005, and the worst occurrences were when she was in Afghanistan in 2012. After arriving home and experiencing triggers, she was diagnosed with depression, PTSD, and mild traumatic brain injury. She applied for a service dog, and Lizzy came into her life, helping her with nightmares and panic attacks. Psychiatry and medication are used to help veterans, and recently, more people have been using psychiatric service dogs. Unfortunately, the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) does not support this, saying that not enough research indicates that they are reliable treatments. Some even believe that the use of service dogs could hinder the recovery of veterans, as they will completely depend on their dogs to function. A study at Purdue University showed that veterans with service dogs experienced fewer symptoms than those without, but the VA said more research was needed. While they are still conducting studies over the topic, the VA did issue a statement saying that if research supported it, then they would provide veterinary care for service dogs.

Though sexual assault may be considered a less "appropriate" topic, it is highly critical that it is addressed. In addition, it is relevant amidst the #MeToo movement that is going on today. This article highlights the traumas that soldiers, especially women, experience, and not just the war-related events. Statistics from the VA state that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men report military sexual trauma. Most people are aware of PTSD, but they usually think of bombs and killings. In World War I, this was actually referred to as "shell shock", due to the artillery shells. Unfortunately, soldiers back then didn't really receive much treatment. They might get a few days to rest before returning to war, and those trying to go back to normal lives would focus on daily activities. Today, the focus is on whether or not service dogs should be considered treatment for MST. Though everyone should learn about this topic, it should be those who have experienced trauma that weigh in on that decision, as it affects them. In addition, this article underlines how many people who experience MST don't report it. This can stem from fear or embarrassment. In this time of victims speaking up about their experiences, we must work to provide safe environments for military women so that they can do the same.

https://www.npr.org/2018/09/22/643326634/veterans-struggling-after-sexual-assault-increasingly-turn-to-service-dogs