Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.

DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.

Need help?

Call 877-995-5247 to be connected with a trained, confidential
Safe Helpline staff member, 24/7.

DSN users can call Safe Helpline by dialing 877-995-5247.

For those unable to call toll-free or DSN, call 202-540-5962.

OCONUS Service members can call the Telephone Helpline for free from
anywhere in the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology from
theSafe Helpline App.

Online Helpline

Need help?

Visitonline.safehelpline.org or download the Safe Helpline
app to chat one-on-one with a trained Safe Helpline staff member
through an anonymous, secure instant-messaging format 24/7.

How can the Online Helpline help me?

You can chat one-on-one with a Safe Helpline staff member
to access a range of support services including:

• Anonymous, confidential, crisis intervention services
• Emotional support
• Referrals to both military and civilian resources in your area— sexual assault response coordinators (SARCs)/sexual assault prevention and response victim advocates (SAPR VAs), Chaplain, Legal, Medical/Behavioral health care services, military police, Veterans Crisis Line, local civilian sexual assault service providers, and many others.
• Information on military-specific policies, such as reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted)
• Information for family and friends of survivors
• Information for leadership

Safe Helpline App

What is the Safe Helpline app?

      

The Safe Helpline app is a free mobile resource created to meet the unique needs of members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. By downloading the app, you can access 24/7 support through Safe Helpline’s Telephone and Online Helplines, get information and resources to help address the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault, as well as practical exercises, to help you manage your self-care. We also recognize that for many survivors stationed outside of the United States (OCONUS) additional limitations may arise when accessing resources, which is why the Safe Helpline app has been designed to give survivors access to a variety of support services and self-care exercises in a free, and convenient way.

How can the Safe Helpline app help me?

We’ve designed the app to give you a way to access any resource within the app directly from the home screen.

Chat: Access one-on-one support through the Online Helpline, 24/7 and chat directly with a Safe Helpline staff member.

Call: Connect directly to a Safe Helpline staff member for one-on-one support through the Telephone Helpline, 24/7. You can choose to make the call using Voice over IP (VoIP) or by using your cellular data. Using VoIP might be a good option for Service members who are OCONUS and may not have access to cellular service in their current location.

Learn: Within this section of the Safe Helpline app, you can access our self-paced educational programs to learn how to address the effects of sexual assault, how to support a survivor and ways Safe Helpline can support you or someone you know. All of these education programs can be completed anonymously by the user. You’ll also be able to access scenarios to give you tangible ways to step-in and support others.

Self-Care: The app allows you to easily create and use a customized self-care plan with specially designed self-care exercises. Once downloaded, you can come back to view your plan and exercises at any time, even without an Internet connection.

How do the self-care plans work?

The self-care plan is created by answering a series of six questions designed to help you focus and identify how you are feeling at that moment. Questions are answered on a sliding scale of zero (never) to five (always), and the app will recommend different exercises based on your responses. There are no “good” or “bad” answers to these questions, and responses can vary from day to day, depending on how you are feeling.

Once you’ve answered the questions on the plan, the app will suggest self-care exercises. The exercises include:

• Guided breathing
• Guided muscle relaxation
• Imagining yourself at the beach
• Focusing on the present
• Soothing sounds, such as sounds of the forest and sounds of rain falling

We recognize the importance of keeping your information safe, so we’ve also set up a security feature that allows you to lock your self-care plans behind a privacy wall using a 6-digit pin of your choosing.

Journaling:

The Safe Helpline app allows you to journal directly in the app with weekly prompts. Taking some time out of your week to journal can give you a moment for reflection and an opportunity for self-care. You can also choose to skip any prompts or just write freely depending on how you are feeling. Some of the questions include:

• When do you feel the most energized?
• What do you want to let go of this week?
• What are three things that you would do if you weren’t afraid?

Like the self-care plans, the journal entries you save are protected by a privacy wall and will allow you to lock your information behind a 6-digit pin of your choosing. You can also access and refer back to your journal without an Internet connection.

Coloring Book:

Sometimes focusing on a mindless activity can help you process difficult emotions and be grounded in the present.  To help with this, another self-care activity available on the app is a collection of six designs, ranging from easy to difficult, that allow you to paint or color your own works of art.

How is the Safe Helpline app secure, and is activity on the app traceable by third parties?

As with all Safe Helpline services, your privacy is of utmost importance, and the technology behind the Safe Helpline app was created by RAINN to protect your safety and anonymity by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected.

The following precautions have been implemented to protect your privacy when using the app:

• The app does not require an email address or any of your contact information when it is initially downloaded.
• You have the ability to set up a pin code to protect the information you record in the self-care plans, the journal, and completed coloring book designs.
• No information on how you use the app is ever collected or shared by Safe Helpline. This includes how often you use the app, who uses the app, or where you use the app.
• If you are concerned that someone may be able to access the app, you can delete all journal entries, self-care plans, and completed coloring books by simply deleting the app.

While Safe Helpline has taken the steps outlined above to help increase the safety and anonymity of Safe Helpline app users, please remember that if you are using the app on a DoD or other work-related device, your employer may be able to track your usage of this app. In addition, similarly to a paper journal, Safe Helpline app journal entries may be admissible during court proceedings.

REPORT RETALIATION

Military Feedback Form

If you have questions, comments, or complaints about the services on your installation/base or provided by a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), victim advocate or other military staff or personnel, please use this feedback form. You can submit the form anonymously if you prefer. The information you provide on this form will be forwarded to the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).

Retaliation

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation in any form from a peer, supervisor, or someone in your chain of command following a report of sexual assault, you can share the retaliation allegations with SAPRO using this form.

If you would like to submit a retaliation report, please report directly to the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) here.

For members of the Coast Guard who have experienced retaliation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) IG will accept retaliation complaints as falling within the scope of their responsibilities for Whistleblower protection. Coast Guard Members who have experienced retaliation can contact the DHS IG by calling 1-800-323-8603 (toll-free) or access the Allegation Form online.

Retaliation Reporting Options to learn more about how to report relation and your options : https://www.safehelpline.org/reporting-option

RESOURCE LINKS

 

For Responders

For Leadership

For Supporters of Survivors

For Service Members Leaving the Military

For Survivors

 

VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

Virtual Peer Support Programs — Free, Confidential, Nationally Available

“Facilitating a network of support for military and veteran spouses and families.”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Platform: Online · Virtual · Phone

Who Can Join: Military and veteran spouses, partners, and family members ages 18+ residing in the United States · Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran are also eligible · Some programs open to all military/veteran-connected individuals

Cost: FREE

Registration: View upcoming sessions and register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) offers a suite of free virtual peer support programs built by and for the military and veteran spouse community. From one-on-one peer check-ins to curriculum-driven support groups, social clubs, educational webinars, and a monthly podcast, every program is peer-led, trauma-informed, and designed around your schedule. No clinical referral is required — come as you are.

PEER 2 PEER CONNECT — One-on-One Virtual Peer Support

Day & Time: Flexible — scheduled individually based on your availability

Platform: Online · Virtual

Cost: FREE

Connect directly with a trained VSN Peer Leader for a private, one-on-one virtual session tailored to your needs. After submitting the sign-up form, program staff match you with the leader best suited to support you. Sessions provide a listening ear, validation, and referrals to other programs — completely free and confidential.

Sign Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Program Page: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer2peer-connect/

VSN SOCIAL CLUB — Peer-Led Virtual Social Groups

Day & Time: Multiple sessions weekly — new clubs added regularly · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · Some in-person options in Texas

Cost: FREE

VSN Social Clubs are flexible, peer-led virtual meet-ups covering topics that matter to the military and veteran spouse community. Recent topics include nutrition and wellness, PTSD and relationships, morning meditation, coffee chats, and community introductions. New clubs are added weekly.

View & Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/vsn-social-club/

VETERAN SPOUSE RESILIENCY GROUP (V-SRG) — Curriculum-Driven Peer Support

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions offered nationally · Sessions run approximately 2 hours · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · In-Person (Texas only)

Cost: FREE

The V-SRG is a structured, peer-led support group built on a six-topic curriculum for military and veteran spouses and partners. Available as a 6-week mini-series, standalone solo sessions, or a wellness series — all virtual offerings are open nationally.

Session Topics: Sharing Our Stories · Taking Care of Ourselves · Invisible Wounds & Suicide Prevention · Compassion Fatigue & Boundary Setting · Love & Relationships · Moving Forward

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/veteran-spouse-resiliency-group/

EMPOWERED — Educational Webinars & Seminars

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions throughout the year · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual

Who Can Join: All military- and veteran-connected individuals ages 18+ in the United States

Cost: FREE

EmpowerEd brings professional educators and speakers to you on topics that matter to military and veteran families — including trauma-informed parenting, PTSD, mental health, career transition, and advocacy.

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/empowered/

VSN PODCAST — On-Demand · Free · Available Anytime

Platform: Online · On-Demand · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All major podcast apps

Cost: FREE

The VSN Podcast, hosted by Program Director Hannah O’Brien, features monthly episodes sharing real stories from the military and veteran spouse community. Topics include PTSD, relationships, caregiving, career development, and more. New episodes drop the second Friday of every month. The full archive is available anytime — no login required.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK8F1rvjhLYPaHHerKpzcKY-Ml_SknWFi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veteran-spouse-network/id1711437721

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r7q0A67QxFgKv0BdOJth6

HOW TO REACH US

Events Calendar & Registration: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

Peer 2 Peer Connect Sign-Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Main Website: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/

Contact: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/contact-us/

Join Mailing List: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/join-our-mailing-list/

WHO WE HELP

• Spouses and committed partners of active-duty service members or veterans
• Family members and caregivers of active-duty service members or veterans
• Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran · Widow/widowers of service members or veterans
• All eligible participants must be ages 18 and up residing in the United States
• EmpowerEd webinars are open to all military- and veteran-connected individuals including providers and supporters

WHAT VSN PROVIDES

• One-on-One Peer Support: Private, confidential virtual sessions matched to your needs
• Virtual Social Groups: Weekly peer-led clubs on wellness, PTSD, relationships, meditation, and more
• Curriculum-Driven Groups: Structured resiliency groups in 6-week, solo-session, and wellness series formats
• Educational Webinars: Professional speakers on mental health, parenting, transitions, and advocacy
• On-Demand Podcast: Monthly episodes — full archive available anytime, no login required
• Peer Leader Network: All programs led by trained fellow military and veteran spouses

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All Programs: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/

Peer Leader Opportunities: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer-leaders/

Suicide Prevention: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/suicideprevention/

Community Resources: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/resources/

ABOUT VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) was founded in January 2015 and is housed within the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the Dell Medical School. VSN facilitates a research-informed, peer-led community of support for military and veteran spouses, partners, and families nationwide.

DISCLAIMER

Information is shared solely as a courtesy. All VSN programs are free and confidential. VSN Peer Leaders are not licensed counselors, therapists, or medical professionals — peer support is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, legal advice, or emergency services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.

DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.

Need help?

Call 877-995-5247 to be connected with a trained, confidential
Safe Helpline staff member, 24/7.

DSN users can call Safe Helpline by dialing 877-995-5247.

For those unable to call toll-free or DSN, call 202-540-5962.

OCONUS Service members can call the Telephone Helpline for free from
anywhere in the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology from
theSafe Helpline App.

Online Helpline

Need help?

Visitonline.safehelpline.org or download the Safe Helpline
app to chat one-on-one with a trained Safe Helpline staff member
through an anonymous, secure instant-messaging format 24/7.

How can the Online Helpline help me?

You can chat one-on-one with a Safe Helpline staff member
to access a range of support services including:

• Anonymous, confidential, crisis intervention services
• Emotional support
• Referrals to both military and civilian resources in your area— sexual assault response coordinators (SARCs)/sexual assault prevention and response victim advocates (SAPR VAs), Chaplain, Legal, Medical/Behavioral health care services, military police, Veterans Crisis Line, local civilian sexual assault service providers, and many others.
• Information on military-specific policies, such as reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted)
• Information for family and friends of survivors
• Information for leadership

Safe Helpline App

What is the Safe Helpline app?

      

The Safe Helpline app is a free mobile resource created to meet the unique needs of members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. By downloading the app, you can access 24/7 support through Safe Helpline’s Telephone and Online Helplines, get information and resources to help address the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault, as well as practical exercises, to help you manage your self-care. We also recognize that for many survivors stationed outside of the United States (OCONUS) additional limitations may arise when accessing resources, which is why the Safe Helpline app has been designed to give survivors access to a variety of support services and self-care exercises in a free, and convenient way.

How can the Safe Helpline app help me?

We’ve designed the app to give you a way to access any resource within the app directly from the home screen.

Chat: Access one-on-one support through the Online Helpline, 24/7 and chat directly with a Safe Helpline staff member.

Call: Connect directly to a Safe Helpline staff member for one-on-one support through the Telephone Helpline, 24/7. You can choose to make the call using Voice over IP (VoIP) or by using your cellular data. Using VoIP might be a good option for Service members who are OCONUS and may not have access to cellular service in their current location.

Learn: Within this section of the Safe Helpline app, you can access our self-paced educational programs to learn how to address the effects of sexual assault, how to support a survivor and ways Safe Helpline can support you or someone you know. All of these education programs can be completed anonymously by the user. You’ll also be able to access scenarios to give you tangible ways to step-in and support others.

Self-Care: The app allows you to easily create and use a customized self-care plan with specially designed self-care exercises. Once downloaded, you can come back to view your plan and exercises at any time, even without an Internet connection.

How do the self-care plans work?

The self-care plan is created by answering a series of six questions designed to help you focus and identify how you are feeling at that moment. Questions are answered on a sliding scale of zero (never) to five (always), and the app will recommend different exercises based on your responses. There are no “good” or “bad” answers to these questions, and responses can vary from day to day, depending on how you are feeling.

Once you’ve answered the questions on the plan, the app will suggest self-care exercises. The exercises include:

• Guided breathing
• Guided muscle relaxation
• Imagining yourself at the beach
• Focusing on the present
• Soothing sounds, such as sounds of the forest and sounds of rain falling

We recognize the importance of keeping your information safe, so we’ve also set up a security feature that allows you to lock your self-care plans behind a privacy wall using a 6-digit pin of your choosing.

Journaling:

The Safe Helpline app allows you to journal directly in the app with weekly prompts. Taking some time out of your week to journal can give you a moment for reflection and an opportunity for self-care. You can also choose to skip any prompts or just write freely depending on how you are feeling. Some of the questions include:

• When do you feel the most energized?
• What do you want to let go of this week?
• What are three things that you would do if you weren’t afraid?

Like the self-care plans, the journal entries you save are protected by a privacy wall and will allow you to lock your information behind a 6-digit pin of your choosing. You can also access and refer back to your journal without an Internet connection.

Coloring Book:

Sometimes focusing on a mindless activity can help you process difficult emotions and be grounded in the present.  To help with this, another self-care activity available on the app is a collection of six designs, ranging from easy to difficult, that allow you to paint or color your own works of art.

How is the Safe Helpline app secure, and is activity on the app traceable by third parties?

As with all Safe Helpline services, your privacy is of utmost importance, and the technology behind the Safe Helpline app was created by RAINN to protect your safety and anonymity by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected.

The following precautions have been implemented to protect your privacy when using the app:

• The app does not require an email address or any of your contact information when it is initially downloaded.
• You have the ability to set up a pin code to protect the information you record in the self-care plans, the journal, and completed coloring book designs.
• No information on how you use the app is ever collected or shared by Safe Helpline. This includes how often you use the app, who uses the app, or where you use the app.
• If you are concerned that someone may be able to access the app, you can delete all journal entries, self-care plans, and completed coloring books by simply deleting the app.

While Safe Helpline has taken the steps outlined above to help increase the safety and anonymity of Safe Helpline app users, please remember that if you are using the app on a DoD or other work-related device, your employer may be able to track your usage of this app. In addition, similarly to a paper journal, Safe Helpline app journal entries may be admissible during court proceedings.

REPORT RETALIATION

Military Feedback Form

If you have questions, comments, or complaints about the services on your installation/base or provided by a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), victim advocate or other military staff or personnel, please use this feedback form. You can submit the form anonymously if you prefer. The information you provide on this form will be forwarded to the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).

Retaliation

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation in any form from a peer, supervisor, or someone in your chain of command following a report of sexual assault, you can share the retaliation allegations with SAPRO using this form.

If you would like to submit a retaliation report, please report directly to the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) here.

For members of the Coast Guard who have experienced retaliation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) IG will accept retaliation complaints as falling within the scope of their responsibilities for Whistleblower protection. Coast Guard Members who have experienced retaliation can contact the DHS IG by calling 1-800-323-8603 (toll-free) or access the Allegation Form online.

Retaliation Reporting Options to learn more about how to report relation and your options : https://www.safehelpline.org/reporting-option

RESOURCE LINKS

 

For Responders

For Leadership

For Supporters of Survivors

For Service Members Leaving the Military

For Survivors

 

VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

Virtual Peer Support Programs — Free, Confidential, Nationally Available

“Facilitating a network of support for military and veteran spouses and families.”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Platform: Online · Virtual · Phone

Who Can Join: Military and veteran spouses, partners, and family members ages 18+ residing in the United States · Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran are also eligible · Some programs open to all military/veteran-connected individuals

Cost: FREE

Registration: View upcoming sessions and register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) offers a suite of free virtual peer support programs built by and for the military and veteran spouse community. From one-on-one peer check-ins to curriculum-driven support groups, social clubs, educational webinars, and a monthly podcast, every program is peer-led, trauma-informed, and designed around your schedule. No clinical referral is required — come as you are.

PEER 2 PEER CONNECT — One-on-One Virtual Peer Support

Day & Time: Flexible — scheduled individually based on your availability

Platform: Online · Virtual

Cost: FREE

Connect directly with a trained VSN Peer Leader for a private, one-on-one virtual session tailored to your needs. After submitting the sign-up form, program staff match you with the leader best suited to support you. Sessions provide a listening ear, validation, and referrals to other programs — completely free and confidential.

Sign Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Program Page: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer2peer-connect/

VSN SOCIAL CLUB — Peer-Led Virtual Social Groups

Day & Time: Multiple sessions weekly — new clubs added regularly · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · Some in-person options in Texas

Cost: FREE

VSN Social Clubs are flexible, peer-led virtual meet-ups covering topics that matter to the military and veteran spouse community. Recent topics include nutrition and wellness, PTSD and relationships, morning meditation, coffee chats, and community introductions. New clubs are added weekly.

View & Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/vsn-social-club/

VETERAN SPOUSE RESILIENCY GROUP (V-SRG) — Curriculum-Driven Peer Support

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions offered nationally · Sessions run approximately 2 hours · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · In-Person (Texas only)

Cost: FREE

The V-SRG is a structured, peer-led support group built on a six-topic curriculum for military and veteran spouses and partners. Available as a 6-week mini-series, standalone solo sessions, or a wellness series — all virtual offerings are open nationally.

Session Topics: Sharing Our Stories · Taking Care of Ourselves · Invisible Wounds & Suicide Prevention · Compassion Fatigue & Boundary Setting · Love & Relationships · Moving Forward

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/veteran-spouse-resiliency-group/

EMPOWERED — Educational Webinars & Seminars

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions throughout the year · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual

Who Can Join: All military- and veteran-connected individuals ages 18+ in the United States

Cost: FREE

EmpowerEd brings professional educators and speakers to you on topics that matter to military and veteran families — including trauma-informed parenting, PTSD, mental health, career transition, and advocacy.

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/empowered/

VSN PODCAST — On-Demand · Free · Available Anytime

Platform: Online · On-Demand · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All major podcast apps

Cost: FREE

The VSN Podcast, hosted by Program Director Hannah O’Brien, features monthly episodes sharing real stories from the military and veteran spouse community. Topics include PTSD, relationships, caregiving, career development, and more. New episodes drop the second Friday of every month. The full archive is available anytime — no login required.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK8F1rvjhLYPaHHerKpzcKY-Ml_SknWFi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veteran-spouse-network/id1711437721

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r7q0A67QxFgKv0BdOJth6

HOW TO REACH US

Events Calendar & Registration: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

Peer 2 Peer Connect Sign-Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Main Website: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/

Contact: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/contact-us/

Join Mailing List: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/join-our-mailing-list/

WHO WE HELP

• Spouses and committed partners of active-duty service members or veterans
• Family members and caregivers of active-duty service members or veterans
• Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran · Widow/widowers of service members or veterans
• All eligible participants must be ages 18 and up residing in the United States
• EmpowerEd webinars are open to all military- and veteran-connected individuals including providers and supporters

WHAT VSN PROVIDES

• One-on-One Peer Support: Private, confidential virtual sessions matched to your needs
• Virtual Social Groups: Weekly peer-led clubs on wellness, PTSD, relationships, meditation, and more
• Curriculum-Driven Groups: Structured resiliency groups in 6-week, solo-session, and wellness series formats
• Educational Webinars: Professional speakers on mental health, parenting, transitions, and advocacy
• On-Demand Podcast: Monthly episodes — full archive available anytime, no login required
• Peer Leader Network: All programs led by trained fellow military and veteran spouses

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All Programs: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/

Peer Leader Opportunities: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer-leaders/

Suicide Prevention: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/suicideprevention/

Community Resources: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/resources/

ABOUT VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) was founded in January 2015 and is housed within the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the Dell Medical School. VSN facilitates a research-informed, peer-led community of support for military and veteran spouses, partners, and families nationwide.

DISCLAIMER

Information is shared solely as a courtesy. All VSN programs are free and confidential. VSN Peer Leaders are not licensed counselors, therapists, or medical professionals — peer support is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, legal advice, or emergency services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.

DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.

Need help?

Call 877-995-5247 to be connected with a trained, confidential
Safe Helpline staff member, 24/7.

DSN users can call Safe Helpline by dialing 877-995-5247.

For those unable to call toll-free or DSN, call 202-540-5962.

OCONUS Service members can call the Telephone Helpline for free from
anywhere in the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology from
theSafe Helpline App.

Online Helpline

Need help?

Visitonline.safehelpline.org or download the Safe Helpline
app to chat one-on-one with a trained Safe Helpline staff member
through an anonymous, secure instant-messaging format 24/7.

How can the Online Helpline help me?

You can chat one-on-one with a Safe Helpline staff member
to access a range of support services including:

• Anonymous, confidential, crisis intervention services
• Emotional support
• Referrals to both military and civilian resources in your area— sexual assault response coordinators (SARCs)/sexual assault prevention and response victim advocates (SAPR VAs), Chaplain, Legal, Medical/Behavioral health care services, military police, Veterans Crisis Line, local civilian sexual assault service providers, and many others.
• Information on military-specific policies, such as reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted)
• Information for family and friends of survivors
• Information for leadership

Safe Helpline App

What is the Safe Helpline app?

      

The Safe Helpline app is a free mobile resource created to meet the unique needs of members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. By downloading the app, you can access 24/7 support through Safe Helpline’s Telephone and Online Helplines, get information and resources to help address the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault, as well as practical exercises, to help you manage your self-care. We also recognize that for many survivors stationed outside of the United States (OCONUS) additional limitations may arise when accessing resources, which is why the Safe Helpline app has been designed to give survivors access to a variety of support services and self-care exercises in a free, and convenient way.

How can the Safe Helpline app help me?

We’ve designed the app to give you a way to access any resource within the app directly from the home screen.

Chat: Access one-on-one support through the Online Helpline, 24/7 and chat directly with a Safe Helpline staff member.

Call: Connect directly to a Safe Helpline staff member for one-on-one support through the Telephone Helpline, 24/7. You can choose to make the call using Voice over IP (VoIP) or by using your cellular data. Using VoIP might be a good option for Service members who are OCONUS and may not have access to cellular service in their current location.

Learn: Within this section of the Safe Helpline app, you can access our self-paced educational programs to learn how to address the effects of sexual assault, how to support a survivor and ways Safe Helpline can support you or someone you know. All of these education programs can be completed anonymously by the user. You’ll also be able to access scenarios to give you tangible ways to step-in and support others.

Self-Care: The app allows you to easily create and use a customized self-care plan with specially designed self-care exercises. Once downloaded, you can come back to view your plan and exercises at any time, even without an Internet connection.

How do the self-care plans work?

The self-care plan is created by answering a series of six questions designed to help you focus and identify how you are feeling at that moment. Questions are answered on a sliding scale of zero (never) to five (always), and the app will recommend different exercises based on your responses. There are no “good” or “bad” answers to these questions, and responses can vary from day to day, depending on how you are feeling.

Once you’ve answered the questions on the plan, the app will suggest self-care exercises. The exercises include:

• Guided breathing
• Guided muscle relaxation
• Imagining yourself at the beach
• Focusing on the present
• Soothing sounds, such as sounds of the forest and sounds of rain falling

We recognize the importance of keeping your information safe, so we’ve also set up a security feature that allows you to lock your self-care plans behind a privacy wall using a 6-digit pin of your choosing.

Journaling:

The Safe Helpline app allows you to journal directly in the app with weekly prompts. Taking some time out of your week to journal can give you a moment for reflection and an opportunity for self-care. You can also choose to skip any prompts or just write freely depending on how you are feeling. Some of the questions include:

• When do you feel the most energized?
• What do you want to let go of this week?
• What are three things that you would do if you weren’t afraid?

Like the self-care plans, the journal entries you save are protected by a privacy wall and will allow you to lock your information behind a 6-digit pin of your choosing. You can also access and refer back to your journal without an Internet connection.

Coloring Book:

Sometimes focusing on a mindless activity can help you process difficult emotions and be grounded in the present.  To help with this, another self-care activity available on the app is a collection of six designs, ranging from easy to difficult, that allow you to paint or color your own works of art.

How is the Safe Helpline app secure, and is activity on the app traceable by third parties?

As with all Safe Helpline services, your privacy is of utmost importance, and the technology behind the Safe Helpline app was created by RAINN to protect your safety and anonymity by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected.

The following precautions have been implemented to protect your privacy when using the app:

• The app does not require an email address or any of your contact information when it is initially downloaded.
• You have the ability to set up a pin code to protect the information you record in the self-care plans, the journal, and completed coloring book designs.
• No information on how you use the app is ever collected or shared by Safe Helpline. This includes how often you use the app, who uses the app, or where you use the app.
• If you are concerned that someone may be able to access the app, you can delete all journal entries, self-care plans, and completed coloring books by simply deleting the app.

While Safe Helpline has taken the steps outlined above to help increase the safety and anonymity of Safe Helpline app users, please remember that if you are using the app on a DoD or other work-related device, your employer may be able to track your usage of this app. In addition, similarly to a paper journal, Safe Helpline app journal entries may be admissible during court proceedings.

REPORT RETALIATION

Military Feedback Form

If you have questions, comments, or complaints about the services on your installation/base or provided by a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), victim advocate or other military staff or personnel, please use this feedback form. You can submit the form anonymously if you prefer. The information you provide on this form will be forwarded to the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).

Retaliation

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation in any form from a peer, supervisor, or someone in your chain of command following a report of sexual assault, you can share the retaliation allegations with SAPRO using this form.

If you would like to submit a retaliation report, please report directly to the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) here.

For members of the Coast Guard who have experienced retaliation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) IG will accept retaliation complaints as falling within the scope of their responsibilities for Whistleblower protection. Coast Guard Members who have experienced retaliation can contact the DHS IG by calling 1-800-323-8603 (toll-free) or access the Allegation Form online.

Retaliation Reporting Options to learn more about how to report relation and your options : https://www.safehelpline.org/reporting-option

RESOURCE LINKS

 

For Responders

For Leadership

For Supporters of Survivors

For Service Members Leaving the Military

For Survivors

 

VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

Virtual Peer Support Programs — Free, Confidential, Nationally Available

“Facilitating a network of support for military and veteran spouses and families.”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Platform: Online · Virtual · Phone

Who Can Join: Military and veteran spouses, partners, and family members ages 18+ residing in the United States · Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran are also eligible · Some programs open to all military/veteran-connected individuals

Cost: FREE

Registration: View upcoming sessions and register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) offers a suite of free virtual peer support programs built by and for the military and veteran spouse community. From one-on-one peer check-ins to curriculum-driven support groups, social clubs, educational webinars, and a monthly podcast, every program is peer-led, trauma-informed, and designed around your schedule. No clinical referral is required — come as you are.

PEER 2 PEER CONNECT — One-on-One Virtual Peer Support

Day & Time: Flexible — scheduled individually based on your availability

Platform: Online · Virtual

Cost: FREE

Connect directly with a trained VSN Peer Leader for a private, one-on-one virtual session tailored to your needs. After submitting the sign-up form, program staff match you with the leader best suited to support you. Sessions provide a listening ear, validation, and referrals to other programs — completely free and confidential.

Sign Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Program Page: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer2peer-connect/

VSN SOCIAL CLUB — Peer-Led Virtual Social Groups

Day & Time: Multiple sessions weekly — new clubs added regularly · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · Some in-person options in Texas

Cost: FREE

VSN Social Clubs are flexible, peer-led virtual meet-ups covering topics that matter to the military and veteran spouse community. Recent topics include nutrition and wellness, PTSD and relationships, morning meditation, coffee chats, and community introductions. New clubs are added weekly.

View & Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/vsn-social-club/

VETERAN SPOUSE RESILIENCY GROUP (V-SRG) — Curriculum-Driven Peer Support

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions offered nationally · Sessions run approximately 2 hours · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · In-Person (Texas only)

Cost: FREE

The V-SRG is a structured, peer-led support group built on a six-topic curriculum for military and veteran spouses and partners. Available as a 6-week mini-series, standalone solo sessions, or a wellness series — all virtual offerings are open nationally.

Session Topics: Sharing Our Stories · Taking Care of Ourselves · Invisible Wounds & Suicide Prevention · Compassion Fatigue & Boundary Setting · Love & Relationships · Moving Forward

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/veteran-spouse-resiliency-group/

EMPOWERED — Educational Webinars & Seminars

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions throughout the year · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual

Who Can Join: All military- and veteran-connected individuals ages 18+ in the United States

Cost: FREE

EmpowerEd brings professional educators and speakers to you on topics that matter to military and veteran families — including trauma-informed parenting, PTSD, mental health, career transition, and advocacy.

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/empowered/

VSN PODCAST — On-Demand · Free · Available Anytime

Platform: Online · On-Demand · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All major podcast apps

Cost: FREE

The VSN Podcast, hosted by Program Director Hannah O’Brien, features monthly episodes sharing real stories from the military and veteran spouse community. Topics include PTSD, relationships, caregiving, career development, and more. New episodes drop the second Friday of every month. The full archive is available anytime — no login required.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK8F1rvjhLYPaHHerKpzcKY-Ml_SknWFi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veteran-spouse-network/id1711437721

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r7q0A67QxFgKv0BdOJth6

HOW TO REACH US

Events Calendar & Registration: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

Peer 2 Peer Connect Sign-Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Main Website: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/

Contact: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/contact-us/

Join Mailing List: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/join-our-mailing-list/

WHO WE HELP

• Spouses and committed partners of active-duty service members or veterans
• Family members and caregivers of active-duty service members or veterans
• Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran · Widow/widowers of service members or veterans
• All eligible participants must be ages 18 and up residing in the United States
• EmpowerEd webinars are open to all military- and veteran-connected individuals including providers and supporters

WHAT VSN PROVIDES

• One-on-One Peer Support: Private, confidential virtual sessions matched to your needs
• Virtual Social Groups: Weekly peer-led clubs on wellness, PTSD, relationships, meditation, and more
• Curriculum-Driven Groups: Structured resiliency groups in 6-week, solo-session, and wellness series formats
• Educational Webinars: Professional speakers on mental health, parenting, transitions, and advocacy
• On-Demand Podcast: Monthly episodes — full archive available anytime, no login required
• Peer Leader Network: All programs led by trained fellow military and veteran spouses

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All Programs: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/

Peer Leader Opportunities: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer-leaders/

Suicide Prevention: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/suicideprevention/

Community Resources: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/resources/

ABOUT VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) was founded in January 2015 and is housed within the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the Dell Medical School. VSN facilitates a research-informed, peer-led community of support for military and veteran spouses, partners, and families nationwide.

DISCLAIMER

Information is shared solely as a courtesy. All VSN programs are free and confidential. VSN Peer Leaders are not licensed counselors, therapists, or medical professionals — peer support is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, legal advice, or emergency services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.

DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.

Need help?

Call 877-995-5247 to be connected with a trained, confidential
Safe Helpline staff member, 24/7.

DSN users can call Safe Helpline by dialing 877-995-5247.

For those unable to call toll-free or DSN, call 202-540-5962.

OCONUS Service members can call the Telephone Helpline for free from
anywhere in the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology from
theSafe Helpline App.

Online Helpline

Need help?

Visitonline.safehelpline.org or download the Safe Helpline
app to chat one-on-one with a trained Safe Helpline staff member
through an anonymous, secure instant-messaging format 24/7.

How can the Online Helpline help me?

You can chat one-on-one with a Safe Helpline staff member
to access a range of support services including:

• Anonymous, confidential, crisis intervention services
• Emotional support
• Referrals to both military and civilian resources in your area— sexual assault response coordinators (SARCs)/sexual assault prevention and response victim advocates (SAPR VAs), Chaplain, Legal, Medical/Behavioral health care services, military police, Veterans Crisis Line, local civilian sexual assault service providers, and many others.
• Information on military-specific policies, such as reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted)
• Information for family and friends of survivors
• Information for leadership

Safe Helpline App

What is the Safe Helpline app?

      

The Safe Helpline app is a free mobile resource created to meet the unique needs of members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. By downloading the app, you can access 24/7 support through Safe Helpline’s Telephone and Online Helplines, get information and resources to help address the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault, as well as practical exercises, to help you manage your self-care. We also recognize that for many survivors stationed outside of the United States (OCONUS) additional limitations may arise when accessing resources, which is why the Safe Helpline app has been designed to give survivors access to a variety of support services and self-care exercises in a free, and convenient way.

How can the Safe Helpline app help me?

We’ve designed the app to give you a way to access any resource within the app directly from the home screen.

Chat: Access one-on-one support through the Online Helpline, 24/7 and chat directly with a Safe Helpline staff member.

Call: Connect directly to a Safe Helpline staff member for one-on-one support through the Telephone Helpline, 24/7. You can choose to make the call using Voice over IP (VoIP) or by using your cellular data. Using VoIP might be a good option for Service members who are OCONUS and may not have access to cellular service in their current location.

Learn: Within this section of the Safe Helpline app, you can access our self-paced educational programs to learn how to address the effects of sexual assault, how to support a survivor and ways Safe Helpline can support you or someone you know. All of these education programs can be completed anonymously by the user. You’ll also be able to access scenarios to give you tangible ways to step-in and support others.

Self-Care: The app allows you to easily create and use a customized self-care plan with specially designed self-care exercises. Once downloaded, you can come back to view your plan and exercises at any time, even without an Internet connection.

How do the self-care plans work?

The self-care plan is created by answering a series of six questions designed to help you focus and identify how you are feeling at that moment. Questions are answered on a sliding scale of zero (never) to five (always), and the app will recommend different exercises based on your responses. There are no “good” or “bad” answers to these questions, and responses can vary from day to day, depending on how you are feeling.

Once you’ve answered the questions on the plan, the app will suggest self-care exercises. The exercises include:

• Guided breathing
• Guided muscle relaxation
• Imagining yourself at the beach
• Focusing on the present
• Soothing sounds, such as sounds of the forest and sounds of rain falling

We recognize the importance of keeping your information safe, so we’ve also set up a security feature that allows you to lock your self-care plans behind a privacy wall using a 6-digit pin of your choosing.

Journaling:

The Safe Helpline app allows you to journal directly in the app with weekly prompts. Taking some time out of your week to journal can give you a moment for reflection and an opportunity for self-care. You can also choose to skip any prompts or just write freely depending on how you are feeling. Some of the questions include:

• When do you feel the most energized?
• What do you want to let go of this week?
• What are three things that you would do if you weren’t afraid?

Like the self-care plans, the journal entries you save are protected by a privacy wall and will allow you to lock your information behind a 6-digit pin of your choosing. You can also access and refer back to your journal without an Internet connection.

Coloring Book:

Sometimes focusing on a mindless activity can help you process difficult emotions and be grounded in the present.  To help with this, another self-care activity available on the app is a collection of six designs, ranging from easy to difficult, that allow you to paint or color your own works of art.

How is the Safe Helpline app secure, and is activity on the app traceable by third parties?

As with all Safe Helpline services, your privacy is of utmost importance, and the technology behind the Safe Helpline app was created by RAINN to protect your safety and anonymity by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected.

The following precautions have been implemented to protect your privacy when using the app:

• The app does not require an email address or any of your contact information when it is initially downloaded.
• You have the ability to set up a pin code to protect the information you record in the self-care plans, the journal, and completed coloring book designs.
• No information on how you use the app is ever collected or shared by Safe Helpline. This includes how often you use the app, who uses the app, or where you use the app.
• If you are concerned that someone may be able to access the app, you can delete all journal entries, self-care plans, and completed coloring books by simply deleting the app.

While Safe Helpline has taken the steps outlined above to help increase the safety and anonymity of Safe Helpline app users, please remember that if you are using the app on a DoD or other work-related device, your employer may be able to track your usage of this app. In addition, similarly to a paper journal, Safe Helpline app journal entries may be admissible during court proceedings.

REPORT RETALIATION

Military Feedback Form

If you have questions, comments, or complaints about the services on your installation/base or provided by a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), victim advocate or other military staff or personnel, please use this feedback form. You can submit the form anonymously if you prefer. The information you provide on this form will be forwarded to the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).

Retaliation

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation in any form from a peer, supervisor, or someone in your chain of command following a report of sexual assault, you can share the retaliation allegations with SAPRO using this form.

If you would like to submit a retaliation report, please report directly to the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) here.

For members of the Coast Guard who have experienced retaliation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) IG will accept retaliation complaints as falling within the scope of their responsibilities for Whistleblower protection. Coast Guard Members who have experienced retaliation can contact the DHS IG by calling 1-800-323-8603 (toll-free) or access the Allegation Form online.

Retaliation Reporting Options to learn more about how to report relation and your options : https://www.safehelpline.org/reporting-option

RESOURCE LINKS

 

For Responders

For Leadership

For Supporters of Survivors

For Service Members Leaving the Military

For Survivors

 

VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

Virtual Peer Support Programs — Free, Confidential, Nationally Available

“Facilitating a network of support for military and veteran spouses and families.”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Platform: Online · Virtual · Phone

Who Can Join: Military and veteran spouses, partners, and family members ages 18+ residing in the United States · Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran are also eligible · Some programs open to all military/veteran-connected individuals

Cost: FREE

Registration: View upcoming sessions and register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) offers a suite of free virtual peer support programs built by and for the military and veteran spouse community. From one-on-one peer check-ins to curriculum-driven support groups, social clubs, educational webinars, and a monthly podcast, every program is peer-led, trauma-informed, and designed around your schedule. No clinical referral is required — come as you are.

PEER 2 PEER CONNECT — One-on-One Virtual Peer Support

Day & Time: Flexible — scheduled individually based on your availability

Platform: Online · Virtual

Cost: FREE

Connect directly with a trained VSN Peer Leader for a private, one-on-one virtual session tailored to your needs. After submitting the sign-up form, program staff match you with the leader best suited to support you. Sessions provide a listening ear, validation, and referrals to other programs — completely free and confidential.

Sign Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Program Page: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer2peer-connect/

VSN SOCIAL CLUB — Peer-Led Virtual Social Groups

Day & Time: Multiple sessions weekly — new clubs added regularly · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · Some in-person options in Texas

Cost: FREE

VSN Social Clubs are flexible, peer-led virtual meet-ups covering topics that matter to the military and veteran spouse community. Recent topics include nutrition and wellness, PTSD and relationships, morning meditation, coffee chats, and community introductions. New clubs are added weekly.

View & Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/vsn-social-club/

VETERAN SPOUSE RESILIENCY GROUP (V-SRG) — Curriculum-Driven Peer Support

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions offered nationally · Sessions run approximately 2 hours · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · In-Person (Texas only)

Cost: FREE

The V-SRG is a structured, peer-led support group built on a six-topic curriculum for military and veteran spouses and partners. Available as a 6-week mini-series, standalone solo sessions, or a wellness series — all virtual offerings are open nationally.

Session Topics: Sharing Our Stories · Taking Care of Ourselves · Invisible Wounds & Suicide Prevention · Compassion Fatigue & Boundary Setting · Love & Relationships · Moving Forward

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/veteran-spouse-resiliency-group/

EMPOWERED — Educational Webinars & Seminars

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions throughout the year · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual

Who Can Join: All military- and veteran-connected individuals ages 18+ in the United States

Cost: FREE

EmpowerEd brings professional educators and speakers to you on topics that matter to military and veteran families — including trauma-informed parenting, PTSD, mental health, career transition, and advocacy.

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/empowered/

VSN PODCAST — On-Demand · Free · Available Anytime

Platform: Online · On-Demand · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All major podcast apps

Cost: FREE

The VSN Podcast, hosted by Program Director Hannah O’Brien, features monthly episodes sharing real stories from the military and veteran spouse community. Topics include PTSD, relationships, caregiving, career development, and more. New episodes drop the second Friday of every month. The full archive is available anytime — no login required.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK8F1rvjhLYPaHHerKpzcKY-Ml_SknWFi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veteran-spouse-network/id1711437721

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r7q0A67QxFgKv0BdOJth6

HOW TO REACH US

Events Calendar & Registration: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

Peer 2 Peer Connect Sign-Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Main Website: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/

Contact: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/contact-us/

Join Mailing List: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/join-our-mailing-list/

WHO WE HELP

• Spouses and committed partners of active-duty service members or veterans
• Family members and caregivers of active-duty service members or veterans
• Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran · Widow/widowers of service members or veterans
• All eligible participants must be ages 18 and up residing in the United States
• EmpowerEd webinars are open to all military- and veteran-connected individuals including providers and supporters

WHAT VSN PROVIDES

• One-on-One Peer Support: Private, confidential virtual sessions matched to your needs
• Virtual Social Groups: Weekly peer-led clubs on wellness, PTSD, relationships, meditation, and more
• Curriculum-Driven Groups: Structured resiliency groups in 6-week, solo-session, and wellness series formats
• Educational Webinars: Professional speakers on mental health, parenting, transitions, and advocacy
• On-Demand Podcast: Monthly episodes — full archive available anytime, no login required
• Peer Leader Network: All programs led by trained fellow military and veteran spouses

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All Programs: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/

Peer Leader Opportunities: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer-leaders/

Suicide Prevention: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/suicideprevention/

Community Resources: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/resources/

ABOUT VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) was founded in January 2015 and is housed within the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the Dell Medical School. VSN facilitates a research-informed, peer-led community of support for military and veteran spouses, partners, and families nationwide.

DISCLAIMER

Information is shared solely as a courtesy. All VSN programs are free and confidential. VSN Peer Leaders are not licensed counselors, therapists, or medical professionals — peer support is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, legal advice, or emergency services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.

DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.

Need help?

Call 877-995-5247 to be connected with a trained, confidential
Safe Helpline staff member, 24/7.

DSN users can call Safe Helpline by dialing 877-995-5247.

For those unable to call toll-free or DSN, call 202-540-5962.

OCONUS Service members can call the Telephone Helpline for free from
anywhere in the world by using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology from
theSafe Helpline App.

Online Helpline

Need help?

Visitonline.safehelpline.org or download the Safe Helpline
app to chat one-on-one with a trained Safe Helpline staff member
through an anonymous, secure instant-messaging format 24/7.

How can the Online Helpline help me?

You can chat one-on-one with a Safe Helpline staff member
to access a range of support services including:

• Anonymous, confidential, crisis intervention services
• Emotional support
• Referrals to both military and civilian resources in your area— sexual assault response coordinators (SARCs)/sexual assault prevention and response victim advocates (SAPR VAs), Chaplain, Legal, Medical/Behavioral health care services, military police, Veterans Crisis Line, local civilian sexual assault service providers, and many others.
• Information on military-specific policies, such as reporting options (Restricted and Unrestricted)
• Information for family and friends of survivors
• Information for leadership

Safe Helpline App

What is the Safe Helpline app?

      

The Safe Helpline app is a free mobile resource created to meet the unique needs of members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. By downloading the app, you can access 24/7 support through Safe Helpline’s Telephone and Online Helplines, get information and resources to help address the short- and long-term effects of sexual assault, as well as practical exercises, to help you manage your self-care. We also recognize that for many survivors stationed outside of the United States (OCONUS) additional limitations may arise when accessing resources, which is why the Safe Helpline app has been designed to give survivors access to a variety of support services and self-care exercises in a free, and convenient way.

How can the Safe Helpline app help me?

We’ve designed the app to give you a way to access any resource within the app directly from the home screen.

Chat: Access one-on-one support through the Online Helpline, 24/7 and chat directly with a Safe Helpline staff member.

Call: Connect directly to a Safe Helpline staff member for one-on-one support through the Telephone Helpline, 24/7. You can choose to make the call using Voice over IP (VoIP) or by using your cellular data. Using VoIP might be a good option for Service members who are OCONUS and may not have access to cellular service in their current location.

Learn: Within this section of the Safe Helpline app, you can access our self-paced educational programs to learn how to address the effects of sexual assault, how to support a survivor and ways Safe Helpline can support you or someone you know. All of these education programs can be completed anonymously by the user. You’ll also be able to access scenarios to give you tangible ways to step-in and support others.

Self-Care: The app allows you to easily create and use a customized self-care plan with specially designed self-care exercises. Once downloaded, you can come back to view your plan and exercises at any time, even without an Internet connection.

How do the self-care plans work?

The self-care plan is created by answering a series of six questions designed to help you focus and identify how you are feeling at that moment. Questions are answered on a sliding scale of zero (never) to five (always), and the app will recommend different exercises based on your responses. There are no “good” or “bad” answers to these questions, and responses can vary from day to day, depending on how you are feeling.

Once you’ve answered the questions on the plan, the app will suggest self-care exercises. The exercises include:

• Guided breathing
• Guided muscle relaxation
• Imagining yourself at the beach
• Focusing on the present
• Soothing sounds, such as sounds of the forest and sounds of rain falling

We recognize the importance of keeping your information safe, so we’ve also set up a security feature that allows you to lock your self-care plans behind a privacy wall using a 6-digit pin of your choosing.

Journaling:

The Safe Helpline app allows you to journal directly in the app with weekly prompts. Taking some time out of your week to journal can give you a moment for reflection and an opportunity for self-care. You can also choose to skip any prompts or just write freely depending on how you are feeling. Some of the questions include:

• When do you feel the most energized?
• What do you want to let go of this week?
• What are three things that you would do if you weren’t afraid?

Like the self-care plans, the journal entries you save are protected by a privacy wall and will allow you to lock your information behind a 6-digit pin of your choosing. You can also access and refer back to your journal without an Internet connection.

Coloring Book:

Sometimes focusing on a mindless activity can help you process difficult emotions and be grounded in the present.  To help with this, another self-care activity available on the app is a collection of six designs, ranging from easy to difficult, that allow you to paint or color your own works of art.

How is the Safe Helpline app secure, and is activity on the app traceable by third parties?

As with all Safe Helpline services, your privacy is of utmost importance, and the technology behind the Safe Helpline app was created by RAINN to protect your safety and anonymity by ensuring that no personally identifiable information (PII) is collected.

The following precautions have been implemented to protect your privacy when using the app:

• The app does not require an email address or any of your contact information when it is initially downloaded.
• You have the ability to set up a pin code to protect the information you record in the self-care plans, the journal, and completed coloring book designs.
• No information on how you use the app is ever collected or shared by Safe Helpline. This includes how often you use the app, who uses the app, or where you use the app.
• If you are concerned that someone may be able to access the app, you can delete all journal entries, self-care plans, and completed coloring books by simply deleting the app.

While Safe Helpline has taken the steps outlined above to help increase the safety and anonymity of Safe Helpline app users, please remember that if you are using the app on a DoD or other work-related device, your employer may be able to track your usage of this app. In addition, similarly to a paper journal, Safe Helpline app journal entries may be admissible during court proceedings.

REPORT RETALIATION

Military Feedback Form

If you have questions, comments, or complaints about the services on your installation/base or provided by a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), victim advocate or other military staff or personnel, please use this feedback form. You can submit the form anonymously if you prefer. The information you provide on this form will be forwarded to the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).

Retaliation

If you believe you have experienced or witnessed retaliation in any form from a peer, supervisor, or someone in your chain of command following a report of sexual assault, you can share the retaliation allegations with SAPRO using this form.

If you would like to submit a retaliation report, please report directly to the Department of Defense Inspector General (DoD IG) here.

For members of the Coast Guard who have experienced retaliation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) IG will accept retaliation complaints as falling within the scope of their responsibilities for Whistleblower protection. Coast Guard Members who have experienced retaliation can contact the DHS IG by calling 1-800-323-8603 (toll-free) or access the Allegation Form online.

Retaliation Reporting Options to learn more about how to report relation and your options : https://www.safehelpline.org/reporting-option

RESOURCE LINKS

 

For Responders

For Leadership

For Supporters of Survivors

For Service Members Leaving the Military

For Survivors

 

VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

Virtual Peer Support Programs — Free, Confidential, Nationally Available

“Facilitating a network of support for military and veteran spouses and families.”

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Platform: Online · Virtual · Phone

Who Can Join: Military and veteran spouses, partners, and family members ages 18+ residing in the United States · Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran are also eligible · Some programs open to all military/veteran-connected individuals

Cost: FREE

Registration: View upcoming sessions and register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) offers a suite of free virtual peer support programs built by and for the military and veteran spouse community. From one-on-one peer check-ins to curriculum-driven support groups, social clubs, educational webinars, and a monthly podcast, every program is peer-led, trauma-informed, and designed around your schedule. No clinical referral is required — come as you are.

PEER 2 PEER CONNECT — One-on-One Virtual Peer Support

Day & Time: Flexible — scheduled individually based on your availability

Platform: Online · Virtual

Cost: FREE

Connect directly with a trained VSN Peer Leader for a private, one-on-one virtual session tailored to your needs. After submitting the sign-up form, program staff match you with the leader best suited to support you. Sessions provide a listening ear, validation, and referrals to other programs — completely free and confidential.

Sign Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Program Page: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer2peer-connect/

VSN SOCIAL CLUB — Peer-Led Virtual Social Groups

Day & Time: Multiple sessions weekly — new clubs added regularly · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · Some in-person options in Texas

Cost: FREE

VSN Social Clubs are flexible, peer-led virtual meet-ups covering topics that matter to the military and veteran spouse community. Recent topics include nutrition and wellness, PTSD and relationships, morning meditation, coffee chats, and community introductions. New clubs are added weekly.

View & Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/vsn-social-club/

VETERAN SPOUSE RESILIENCY GROUP (V-SRG) — Curriculum-Driven Peer Support

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions offered nationally · Sessions run approximately 2 hours · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual (national) · In-Person (Texas only)

Cost: FREE

The V-SRG is a structured, peer-led support group built on a six-topic curriculum for military and veteran spouses and partners. Available as a 6-week mini-series, standalone solo sessions, or a wellness series — all virtual offerings are open nationally.

Session Topics: Sharing Our Stories · Taking Care of Ourselves · Invisible Wounds & Suicide Prevention · Compassion Fatigue & Boundary Setting · Love & Relationships · Moving Forward

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/veteran-spouse-resiliency-group/

EMPOWERED — Educational Webinars & Seminars

Day & Time: Ongoing — virtual sessions throughout the year · See Events Calendar

Platform: Online · Virtual

Who Can Join: All military- and veteran-connected individuals ages 18+ in the United States

Cost: FREE

EmpowerEd brings professional educators and speakers to you on topics that matter to military and veteran families — including trauma-informed parenting, PTSD, mental health, career transition, and advocacy.

Register: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/empowered/

VSN PODCAST — On-Demand · Free · Available Anytime

Platform: Online · On-Demand · YouTube · Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All major podcast apps

Cost: FREE

The VSN Podcast, hosted by Program Director Hannah O’Brien, features monthly episodes sharing real stories from the military and veteran spouse community. Topics include PTSD, relationships, caregiving, career development, and more. New episodes drop the second Friday of every month. The full archive is available anytime — no login required.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLK8F1rvjhLYPaHHerKpzcKY-Ml_SknWFi

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/veteran-spouse-network/id1711437721

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5r7q0A67QxFgKv0BdOJth6

HOW TO REACH US

Events Calendar & Registration: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/events/

Peer 2 Peer Connect Sign-Up: https://utexas.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeVR2T4mqQkhgOi

Main Website: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/

Contact: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/contact-us/

Join Mailing List: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/join-our-mailing-list/

WHO WE HELP

• Spouses and committed partners of active-duty service members or veterans
• Family members and caregivers of active-duty service members or veterans
• Individuals divorced from a service member or veteran · Widow/widowers of service members or veterans
• All eligible participants must be ages 18 and up residing in the United States
• EmpowerEd webinars are open to all military- and veteran-connected individuals including providers and supporters

WHAT VSN PROVIDES

• One-on-One Peer Support: Private, confidential virtual sessions matched to your needs
• Virtual Social Groups: Weekly peer-led clubs on wellness, PTSD, relationships, meditation, and more
• Curriculum-Driven Groups: Structured resiliency groups in 6-week, solo-session, and wellness series formats
• Educational Webinars: Professional speakers on mental health, parenting, transitions, and advocacy
• On-Demand Podcast: Monthly episodes — full archive available anytime, no login required
• Peer Leader Network: All programs led by trained fellow military and veteran spouses

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

All Programs: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/programs/

Peer Leader Opportunities: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/peer-leaders/

Suicide Prevention: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/suicideprevention/

Community Resources: https://veteranspousenetwork.org/resources/

ABOUT VETERAN SPOUSE NETWORK

The Veteran Spouse Network (VSN) was founded in January 2015 and is housed within the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at the University of Texas at Austin, in partnership with the Steve Hicks School of Social Work and the Dell Medical School. VSN facilitates a research-informed, peer-led community of support for military and veteran spouses, partners, and families nationwide.

DISCLAIMER

Information is shared solely as a courtesy. All VSN programs are free and confidential. VSN Peer Leaders are not licensed counselors, therapists, or medical professionals — peer support is not a substitute for professional mental health treatment, legal advice, or emergency services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health emergencies, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

Resources for Veterans and Active Military and Families

Veterans Crisis Lines and Resources for Veterans and Active Military Families

Veterans Crisis Line

24/7 confidential support. Call 988 then press 1 · Text 838255 ·Chat online

Phone SupportCall 988, then press 1

Text SupportText 838255

Online Chathttps://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat/

Availability24/7 · Every day

Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA)

Statewide gateway. Visithttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Aging Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Aging-Veterans.aspx

Caregivershttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/resources/pages/caregivers.aspx

Housinghttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/benefits/pages/long-term-care.aspx

LGBTQ+ Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/agency-programs/Pages/default.aspx

Women Veteranshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Benefitshttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Nationwide directory. Visithttps://nrd.gov/

Healthcarehttps://www.nrd.gov/health

Employmenthttps://www.nrd.gov/employment

Educationhttps://www.nrd.gov/education-training

Housinghttps://www.nrd.gov/housing

Family Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/family-caregiver-support

Benefitshttps://www.nrd.gov/benefits-compensation

Peer Supporthttps://www.nrd.gov/other-services-resources

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Affairshttps://www.va.gov/

Oregon ODVA Directoryhttps://www.oregon.gov/odva/

Find All Serviceshttps://nrd.gov/

ABOUT RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

Oregon’s veteran services ecosystem connects veterans, active military personnel, families, and caregivers to crisis support, healthcare, benefits navigation, employment assistance, housing, education, and peer support through partnerships among ODVA, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers. All services listed are free or low-cost and available to eligible veterans, service members, families, and caregivers.

DISCLAIMER

All information is shared as a courtesy for educational purposes only. This is not a substitute for professional care, legal advice, or emergency services. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. For mental health crises or suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 or 988 then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). Contact providers to verify hours, eligibility, and availability.