Addressing Military Sexual Trauma Through Communal Narration
Explore the use of communal narration and theatre to address military sexual trauma experienced by veterans. Learn about the DE-CRUIT Veterans Program and the importance of supporting women veterans through communalization.
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Presentation Transcript
From Victimization to Empowerment: Using Communal Narration to Address Military Sexual Trauma Alisha Ali, PhD New York University Stephan Wolfert, MFA, Army Veteran DE-CRUIT Veterans Program Bruce D. Homer, PhD City University of New York
Trauma and Mental Health in Military Veterans The mental health needs of military veterans are currently underserved: Veterans are at increased risk of addiction, homelessness, poverty, and other experiences related to mental health problems The number of veteran suicides is greater than 22 per day It is estimated that up to 70% of women veterans have experienced military sexual assault (often rape by rank ) We need mental health care that supports veterans reintegration back into civilian life
The DE-CRUIT Veterans Program This program uses the concept of unit cohesion to reflect military culture and build community The program uses cognitive processing and narration through theatre specifically Shakespeare Based on the first-hand experience of army veteran Stephan Wolfert Veteran-informed practice: developed and delivered by veterans and for veterans
Women Veterans Trauma Monologues: Themes For the women veterans who have taken part in our study, their primary trauma was not the typical expected forms of military trauma Pattern of recurring trauma: childhood abuse enlisting to escape abuse military sexual trauma
Supporting Women Veterans Communalization is a key therapeutic element: the audience witnesses their suffering fellow veterans share in their pain Next steps: longer follow-up data collection women-only DE-CRUIT sessions expanding the DE-CRUIT program nationally
