Empowering Women Veteran MST Survivors in Research: VetREC’s Role in the Rising Up Project

The Rising Up Project, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) from 2020 to 2022 and again in 2023-2024, represents a groundbreaking collaboration between the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and VetREC. This community engagement project specifically focused on addressing the research needs of women survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

VetREC played a pivotal role as the bridge between the researchers and the women Veterans. We led recruitment efforts, ensuring that the voices of MST survivors were central to the project, and served as the primary liaison between the research team and the community of survivors. Our leadership ensured that the project maintained a strong focus on the survivors’ needs and priorities throughout every phase.

VetREC’s Role in Connecting and Empowering Women Veterans

From the outset, VetREC was deeply involved in every stage of the project. We helped craft the initial grant proposal and designed the project with the MST survivors in mind. Our role extended far beyond logistics: we actively engaged the survivors, recruited participants, and ensured their experiences were consistently represented in the research. As the liaison between the survivors and the researchers, we facilitated clear communication and fostered trust, enabling a truly collaborative research process.

Informed Treatment Choices and Meaningful Outcomes

A central focus of the project was to empower MST survivors with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their mental health care. By gathering feedback from the women Veterans, we helped shape treatment options that aligned with their personal needs and preferences.

VetREC also ensured that the outcomes measured in the project were meaningful to the survivors. By keeping their voices at the forefront, we fostered a healthcare environment that respected their input and focused on outcomes that truly mattered to their recovery.

Commitment to Better Outcomes

VetREC remains dedicated to improving the lives of MST survivors through research. Our involvement in the Rising Up Project exemplifies our commitment to creating spaces where Veterans are heard, respected, and empowered. By bridging the gap between researchers and Veterans, we continue to advocate for healthcare environments that prioritize the needs of those we serve.