(Photo: CalVet)
CalVet is calling on California Women Veterans to participate in a survey designed to capture their perspectives and experiences. The survey offers an opportunity for Women Veterans across the state to have their voice heard and contribute to the improvement of support and services.
The survey, estimated to take 20–30 minutes to complete, ensures flexibility for participants to take breaks as needed and return to it later. CalVet emphasizes the confidentiality of responses, assuring participants that all answers will remain anonymous, safeguarding their identities and specific answers from publication.
Covering diverse topics such as basic demographic information, specific service experiences, awareness of state-based benefits and services, housing, healthcare, childcare, caregiver respite, and employment services, the survey provides an overview of the challenges and requirements of Women Veterans. Additionally, the survey includes a section addressing more sensitive issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, service-related disabilities, military sexual trauma, mental health issues, and behavioral health challenges. CalVet acknowledges the sensitivity of these topics, offering participants the option to skip questions they may find uncomfortable.
Readers interested in taking the survey can click here.
The primary objectives of the survey are to establish connections between Women Veterans and those dedicated to serving their needs, while also collecting data to create a more supportive and inclusive environment. CalVet recognizes the invaluable role that Women Veterans play in shaping the direction of support services, and their active involvement is important to that success.
By taking part in the survey, Women Veterans can not only share their experiences with CalVet, but with legislators and service providers. This engagement also opens avenues for potential connections with earned state and federal benefits and resources, which will help to positively shape the Veteran community.
Survey results are anticipated to directly impact the enhancement of services and programs offered to Women Veterans. The analysis and summary of survey results, scheduled for delivery in the summer of 2024, will be shared with California legislators, veteran service providers, and relevant governmental organizations.
Although CalVet has conducted surveys of Women Veterans in the past, the urgency for current information prompts this latest survey, with the most recent one dating back to 2013. To ensure up-to-date insights into the experiences of California’s Women Veterans, active participation in this survey is imperative. Therefore, CalVet is encouraging California Women Veterans to seize this opportunity to contribute to the continuous improvement of support and services tailored to their needs.
For more information about the survey, Women Veterans can visit CalVet’s webpage about the California Women Veterans Survey. Inquiries can also be directed to CalVet at womenveterans.survey@calvet.ca.gov.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
