Since 2014, we as a sector have had access to information and data about the impacts of war service on the families of the veterans. the Vietnam Veteran Study Series confirmed what many of you know the mental wellbeing of spouses of war veterans is poorer than the mental wellbeing of the general public.

As a result of this study, we know that as many as 1 in 3 spouses of war veterans are likely diagnosed with depression, and 2 in 5 spouses may experience suicidal ideation.

Yet for the last 11 years that this knowledge has existed, there has been limited progress when it comes to supporting these spouses and families.  The availability and access to mental health support for veterans’ families is critical and could be improved significantly. This is why the mental health of veterans’ families is the first priority in our Advocacy Plan.

The mental health needs of the entire group of veterans’ families are vast and therefore need to be considered according to the most urgent need first. The solutions we are seeking is for improved access to mental health treatment and services for:

• Families bereaved by a service-related death.
• Children of veterans who have died as a result of their service or of veterans who have been significantly wounded/injured or ill as a result of their service.
• Families who have experienced trauma related to a veteran; and
• Families caring for wounded/injured and ill veterans.

Improved access for those with a DVA entitlement consists of ongoing treatment card access for mental health conditions. For those without a DVA  entitlement improved access consists of an appropriate increase in Medicare rebated sessions on a mental health plan in addition to improved access to appropriate levels of mental health treatment through Open Arms.

In pursuing these priorities, we have first focused on the removal of gold cards from children of deceased veterans. Currently, children of veterans who have passed as a result of their service can have their eligibility for the gold card extended where a mental health condition is impacting their ability to study full-time until the age of 25 years. We are working with DVA to look at how these treatment cards can be extended to cover mental health treatment, using a similar model to the treatment model that was put in place for the children of Vietnam Veterans.

Taking care of the mental health treatment of children in bereaved families removes barriers to treatment and reduces financial pressures on those widowed by Defence service, it can also limit the impacts of intergenerational trauma and improve health and wellbeing outcomes for these children.

Read our full advocacy plan HERE.

Click HERE to read our submission on the veterans legislation reform which also addresses this need.

The post The Unique Nature of YOUR service first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

The impacts of service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) disproportionately affect women in tangible and intangible ways. For example, it is well known that many women, civilian in particular, struggle to develop and maintain a career due to the mobility of the ADF and the extra responsibilities they have in supporting their service member, allowing them to give their job and their role their entire focus.

There are impacts for these women in terms of their superannuation and financial security. There are also many intangible aspects as women are still expected to play traditional gender roles within this environment in addition to taking responsibility, sometimes sole responsibility, for all areas of their family’s life. This is amplified when a woman is widowed as a result of service or is the primary carer for a veteran who is wounded, injured or ill as a result of their service. The mental load and the pressure that veterans’ families, and women in particular, carry is excessive and leads to burnout.

This International Women\’s Day we shine a light on gender bias within our community to validate and recognise the experience of women and highlight their contribution in defence of Australia. Or to put it another way, as another element of defence capability and the veterans support system.

At AWWNSW, we have highlighted the voices of women and their experiences within a male dominated sector for 75 years. We continue to strengthen our voice by welcoming and creating a home for all widows, women and families connected to defence service.

The institutional expectations on women far exceed the expectations on their male counterparts and that is a bias we need to highlight and break.

We need to recognise and value the role of women whether they be serving or civilian. Those that are connected to the defence force carry an awful lot for the defence and veterans’ system. It is time that we helped them. Starting a conversation and highlighting the impacts is the first step. Widows, women and veterans’ families deserve to be more than a by-line in veteran policy.

AWW NSW advocates for the needs of women and families of veterans connected to defence service. We provide a voice for our members and community to ensure their views are represented across areas that impact upon them.

The post NSW Women’s Week first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

It is important that the voices of those within the Defence and Veteran community are heard. 

We know far too little about gender-based violence within the Defence and Veteran community. We know it exists, we know that women who experience it are at times silenced by the system or struggle to know where to turn, what to do or even recognise that the behaviour they are experiencing is not okay. We need to know more so that we can help. 

The Australian Government is developing the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 (National Plan) to replace the existing National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022. 

It is important that the voices of those within the Defence and Veteran community are heard and featured in this National Plan. 

The Draft National Plan is now available and open for consultation. We encourage all of those within our community to participate in the consultation. We are here to help you. 

Consultation options:

• Complete the Department of Social Services online survey
• Write to the Department of Social Services directly
• Write to us about your experiences and views from a defence and military perspective to our CEO Renee Wilson rwilson@warwidowsnsw.com.au by 24 February 2022. We will add them to our own response. Your information will be kept and stored by Australian War Widows NSW in accordance with privacy regulations and will be deidentified in our response unless you choose otherwise
• Consultation closes 25 February 2022. 

We know that family, domestic and sexual violence can be difficult topics to discuss and relive through engaging with this consultation. Your safety and wellbeing are important. If you or someone you know needs help or support at any time, contact one of the services below: 

• In an emergency call Triple Zero (000)
• 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for family, domestic and sexual violence matters
• Lifeline 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 for support with anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
• MensLine 1300 789 978 for support for men with family and relationship concerns
• Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.

Image: Department of Social Services

The post Have your say and help shape a future free from gender-based violence first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.

Due to its experience, leadership, and network, AWWNSW has formed a view on several items raised by the Commissioners. The opinions expressed through and by AWWNSW below were formed through consultation with members, its broad community, Directors, and staff.

The opinions expressed through AWWNSW’s submission amplify the voices of veterans’ families and caregivers, ensuring those that are on the front line of veteran support are heard.

The matters the Commission is inquiring into are not new. They have affected the veteran community and in particular veterans’ families for generations. However, this is the first time that there will be a public conversation about it and a real chance to make the system better for those that come after.

In summary, AWWNSW submission concluded that:

• Families and caregivers must be meaningfully engaged throughout a veterans’ Service journey and beyond.
• Families and caregivers must be equipped with the support networks, tools, information, knowledge and support they need to care for themselves and their loved one.
• Children of veterans impacted by Suicide or ill mental health under the age of 15 need immediate access to psychiatry, psychology and trauma recovery treatments.
• There is a need for substantial investment into the veteran sector beyond access to health care.

The full submission can be read here.

That these matters are not affecting veterans and their families for the first time, they have been affecting them for generations.

If you would like to contribute your insights, ideas, experiences, or reflections to the Royal Commission please contact the AWW NSW CEO on 0421 161 334 or at guild@warwidowsnsw.com.au.

AWW NSW advocates for the needs of all women and families of veterans connected to Defence service. We provide a voice for our members and community to ensure their views are represented across all areas that impact upon them.

The post Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide – AWWNSW Statement first appeared on Families of Veterans Guild.