New PSA featuring female service member's battle with Military Sexual Trauma launches on International Women's Day; Service dog helps recovery from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PONTE VEDRA, Fla., March 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ --

What:   In its efforts to recognize the service and struggles of female service members and veterans, K9s For Warriors is launching a new PSA featuring one of its service dog program graduates. In the PSA, Air Force Master Sergeant Mindy explains how her Service Canine, Tioga, has helped her regain confidence and independence as a service member, woman, and mother following Military Sexual Trauma (MST).              

Why:

• Young and low-ranking female service members are at the greatest risk of, and experience the majority of sexual assault in the military (DoD Annual Report of Sexual Assault in the Military, 2017)
• Women reporting MST are at a higher risk of suicide than women with no MST¹
• Women veterans are 250% more likely to commit suicide than civilian women¹
• 4.3% of active duty service women experienced unwanted sexual contact in FY16²
• 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide²
• 94% of women who are raped experience PTSD²                               

Where: K9s For Warriors' social media channels and website

About K9s For Warriors
K9s For Warriors is the nation's largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) as a result of military service post-9/11. The service dog program is unique and offers an innovative approach to recovering from the invisible wounds of war. Two lives are transformed with each pairing. The veteran reduces his/her risk of suicide while the rescue dog receives a newfound purpose.

Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org | Facebook | Twitter

1. VA OMHSP. Facts About Suicide Among Women Veterans, August 2017.  https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/VA-Women-Veterans-Fact-Sheet.pdf
2. RAINN. Victims of Sexual Violence: Statistics. https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence

SOURCE K9s For Warriors