Silver Lining Villages Veteran’s Life Skills Academy Ongoing Retreats Free for Veterans

March 20, 2014

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Veterans Life Skills Academy: Verizon Supports Silver Lining Villages’ Military Sexual Trauma Retreat for Women Survivors
Silver Lining Villages Veteran’s Life Skills Academy, a recent nominee, along with the Georgia National Guard, for The National Guard 2014 Sexual Assault Prevention Innovation Award, has received support for their women’s military sexual trauma retreats for female survivors of Military Sexual Trauma from Verizon Wireless, whose focus on Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention has been outstanding in the community. “We strongly support all efforts to combat violence against women, and support our veterans who make countless sacrifices for our freedom” said Sheryl Sellaway, Verizon Wireless spokesperson.  “It’s specialized programs like these that make a lasting difference among those affected by sexual assault,  which ultimately has a positive, long-term impact on the community.”

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During the retreats, attendees will utilize art therapy, Tai Chi, and alternative healing techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Matrix Reimprinting to better cope with survivor’s stress. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and scholarships are available to all MST survivors on a first come first serve basis.  Twenty women are expected to attend each retreat.  Military women wishing to attend are encouraged request participation by phone or online at http://silverliningvillages.org.

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Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is the term that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses to refer to unwanted sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that a veteran experienced during his or her military service. Because MST occurs in the military environment, survivors are often forced to live and work with the perpetrator, and often fear reporting it. The very nature of the trust and loyalty that is built within military culture makes military Sexual Trauma so difficult for men and women to endure.

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Active duty Soldiers and Veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma are at a higher risk for Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) and more likely to experience depression, anxiety, sleep and eating disorders and substance abuse. One (1) out of every five (5) women in the military report experiencing sexual assault.  The DOD estimates that occurrences of Military Sexual Trauma are actually 6 TIMES higher than reported.

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Silver Lining Villages also offers retreats for male survivors of MST, as well as combat veterans and families of veterans and active duty military.  Sponsorship is essential for keeping these services free for veterans, and community partners are welcomed and may contact Silver Lining Villages for further information at 404-375-0245.

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Silver Lining Villages is a 501c3 non-profit life skills academy for holistic, emotional rejuvenation of displaced veterans, female veterans, active duty military, MST survivors and families of veterans.   The organization utilizes and teaches soldiers several alternative energy techniques to achieve maximum results in reducing stress.  Download brochure here

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Downloads:
Retreat Brochure
Silver Lining Villages Brochure