Embracing Strength and Hope: A Love Letter to Military Survivors

The Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is the Department’s sole crisis support service specially designed for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline is secure, confidential, anonymous, and available 24/7, worldwide. The Safe Helpline staff provides live, one-on-one support to survivors, their families, and other DoD stakeholders. It is operated by RAINN through a contract with the DoD Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.

Dear Survivor,

As we've entered into the new year of 2024, our heart overflows with admiration for your unwavering courage and resilience. Each of you embodies strength in the face of adversity, and Safe Helpline wants to express profound love and support as we enter a new chapter together.

In the tapestry of your journey, you are not alone. You are surrounded by a community that believes in your strength, your healing, and your boundless capacity for love and joy.

This year holds promises of hope, renewal, and continued healing. The journey may be challenging, but please know that you carry within you a strength that is boundless. In the face of darkness, your light shines brilliantly. Your courage is a beacon that guides others out of the shadows. As survivors, you've taught us that healing is not a destination but a journey—a journey that is unique to each of you and unfolds at its own pace.

May this new year bring you moments of joy, healing, and finding solace in the love and support that surrounds you. As a community, we are interconnected by threads of understanding, empathy, and a shared commitment.

Keep in mind the valuable resources provided by Safe Helpline, which are specifically tailored for military members affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline stands as a beacon of support, offering a secure space where the voices of survivors in the military are heard, their experiences are validated, and their healing is prioritized.

Safe Helpline offers a wealth of resources to accompany you on your healing journey. Reach out to our dedicated staff through the Telephone and Online helplines for compassionate support, active listening, and assistance in connecting with additional resources. Discover more about the Online Helpline or call our Telephone Helpline at 877-995-5247—both resources are 100 percent anonymous and confidential, and are available to support you 24/7, 365 days a year. 

If you are interested in practicing self-care as a part of your healing journey, you can find useful resources through the Safe Helpline app, including coloring books, journaling prompts, and t personalized self-care plans you can create to monitor your well-being over time. The app also conveniently grants you access to our helplines, ensuring that support from Safe Helpline is always readily available at your fingertips.

May the coming days be filled with love, growth, and moments of profound joy.

With heartfelt love and solidarity,

The Safe Helpline Team