Women warriors less likely to seek help for PTSD

Some single mothers in uniform have told her they are reluctant to report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder out of fear that their mental health problems could be used against them in a custody dispute. Others have said it would be helpful if installations maintained lists of people available to provide emergency child care.

Caucus has big plans for military women

By Rick Maze - Staff writer
Posted : Friday Mar 7, 2008 16:24:46 EST

The Congressional Women’s Caucus — which lists the laying of a Memorial Day wreath for female veterans at Arlington National Cemetery among its major accomplishments for military women during the 109th Congress — plans to be far more aggressive this year.

An ambitious agenda, aided by a well-placed member of the caucus, increases the likelihood that the caucus could drive some major changes in the lives of women in uniform.

Rep. Susan Davis, D-Calif., who co-chairs the caucus task force on women in the military, said the caucus wants to make sure sex-related crimes against women are prosecuted aggressively, and that programs are in place to help women suffering from sexual harassment and trauma, and from combat-related stress.

The caucus, which works with the nonprofit Women’s Policy, Inc., also is launching an investigation of military policies related to motherhood, especially maternity leave, Davis said.

The investigation could lead to legislation requiring services to have common policies granting women more time off from work and from deployments, she said.
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http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/03/military_women_030708w/