So having recently moved to the area I had to get all my records transferred there and was also due to have a physical.

While on the way to my appt I noticed an announcement for a study on depression and alcoholism. Being the bookworm that I am, upon reading it, it was asking for female vets to participate in a psychotherapy study. I thought it odd, but figured the ways in which they manifest or the risk factors for men and women could be different-not dependent on gender but a clear trend in exposure. I took down the information and plan to contact them about details of the experiment, and any potential parallel experiments for male patients.

While in the waiting room I was bored and looking at the pamphlets and saw something that initially was encouraging. It was regarding counseling for those experiencing sexual violence in military and for men and women. Upon opening it, it was inclusive of both men and women until the end with a FAQ.

The last question was "what if as a woman I am uncomfortable with speaking about my experience with a man?". Now that question nor those with such concerns I do not think is a problem. It was the answer, which referred them to the Women's Vet representative. No such concern for men being uncomfortable sharing their experience with someone based on sex was given, and no mention of a Men's Vet representative(which I'm fairly certain doesn't exist). Obviously men and women do have needs or concerns either unique or more prevalent for them, and I'm not against such an office or coordinator to facilitate those needs/concerns, provided both sexes have such a thing available to them. Nonetheless I was quite disappointed by the end, but found some encouragement to at least acknowledging the men experience sexual violence in the military as well.

I don't post this as a straight up whine, but a instance where there is clear division of sex but may be warranted, a clear sign of encouragement for acknowledging that men and women both suffer from sexual violence, and clear sign where things are still as they are.