California's Women Veterans: The Challenges and Needs of Those Who Served

Abstract:

Women represent over 15 percent of the active duty and reserve forces of the military. Following their military service, often in combat conditions, women are returning to their civilian roles in unprecedented numbers. They share many of the short- and long-term physical and emotional consequences and needs that their male counterparts face as a result of serving their country; in addition, they have unique experiences and needs as female veterans. This report describes California's more than 167,000 women veterans (eight percent of the total veteran population); it identifies the challenges these veterans face, the primary services they need, and barriers they encounter. The report also explains the federal, state, and local service delivery structures that provide benefits and services to veterans, and provides additional resource materials.