Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi deals with half-truths for women

[judyvillecco]

In a online News release from FPMI released May 15, 2003 VA STRIVES TO HELP MILITARY VICTIMS OF SEXUAL TRAUMA

The article states that "Veterans who suffered assault or sexual trauma while on active military duty,...may be eligible to receive disability compensation and other benefits from the Dept..... Veterans who suffered personal assault, rape, domestic battering or stalking while on active duty may have lingering physical, emotional, or psychological symptoms, according to the VA. VA has health care professionals who are specially trained to be sensitive to the physical and psychological effects of sexual trauma and personal assault and who coordinate care and counseling for victims. "Sexual trauma can cause serious physical and mental problems for its victims," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony Principi. "I want these veterans, both menn and women, to know that VA is here to give them compassionate, professional care to help them cope with the aftermath of sexual trauma. VA is committed to helping victims of sexual trauma regain their health and self-esteem so they can enjoy the quality of life they deserve."
Seems he is unaware of the number of turn downs and claims not being read in the St. Petersburg office and the lost treatment pleas at Bay Pines treatment center because of orders to cut back women's treatment there. also he seems to be unaware that some offices Escambia has no one trained to work specifically with sexual trauma victims and most are trained for combat victims. This is true for the whole region. Wonder where these specially trained people are and how victims get care in a system who won't even read their claims and again victimizes and perpetrates in a systemic way the women who were victimized in the first place? Wake up Principi! There is a Fox in the Henhouse and the Hens are being eaten!