• Military/Veteran Caregiver Questionnaire

    Veteran concerning Intimate Partner Violence/Domestic Violence, IPV/DV

  • Confidentiality Notice
    All identifying and private information, including your name and your Veteran’s name, and all other personal information will remain confidential unless disclosure is authorized through a signed Release of Information form.

    Purpose of This Project
    The purpose of this project is to develop a compelling, evidence-informed booklet that elevates the voices and lived experiences of Military and Veteran families impacted by blast-related Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

    Through the integration of personal stories, photographs (shared with permission), and supporting data, this project aims to clearly illustrate the long-term, often invisible effects of blast injuries on Veterans—and the profound impact these injuries have on their caregivers.

    This booklet is designed to serve as an advocacy tool for elected officials, healthcare providers, and the broader medical community. It highlights the urgent need for:

    Increased research into blast-related TBIs
    Expanded funding for long-term care and support
    Greater recognition of the critical role Military & Veteran caregivers play
    By putting real faces and real stories alongside data, we seek to bridge the gap between clinical understanding and lived reality—ensuring that policies, treatments, and resources reflect the true scope of need.

    The safety, well-being, and sustainability of our Military & Veteran Caregivers matter.
    The health and dignity of our Veterans matter.

    This project exists to ensure both are seen, heard, and supported.

    Why Your Story Matters
    This project seeks to shed light on what occurs within the home when Intimate Partner Violence or Domestic Violence (IPV/DV) is present in families affected by military service and TBI. We recognize that some lives have been lost, and there may be others we do not yet know about. IPV/DV has torn families apart and left lasting impacts on caregivers, children, and Veterans alike.

    Whether your Veteran served overseas, during a conflict, or stateside, their service is meaningful—and so is your experience. Your story matters.

    Your Participation
    If you do not wish to answer any question, you may simply write “not answering.” There are no wrong answers. Your honesty, at your own comfort level, is deeply valued.

  • This survey is brought to you by… Our Central Command Post

    🛡️ Who Is Our Central Command Post? Our Central Command Post (OCCP) is a nonprofit initiative focused on supporting military and veteran caregivers — people who care for wounded, ill, or injured service members or veterans, often called “Hidden Heroes.” OCCP collaborates with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, a reputable nonprofit committed to supporting and empowering military and veteran caregivers and their families.
  • Date*
     - -
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Are you _______ to your Veteran? (Check all that apply)*
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Branch of Service at the time of brain injury (Check all that apply)*
  • Where did you serve: (if applicable) (Check all that apply)*
  • Did the Veteran's MOS entail exposure to any of the following? (Check all that apply)*
  • How did your Veteran's TBI/s occur?*

  • Information about your Veteran

    to be completed by the Military or Veteran Caregiver, about all things you observe. If you do not wish to answer any of the required questions, write "not answering." There are no wrong answers.
  • Is there a time of day that is worse for your veteran?*
  • Does your veteran respond to triggers in any of the forms listed?*
  • Are there any physical cues before your veteran has an outburst?*
  • Has your Veteran been arrested during an outburst?*
  • After the outburst, how does your Veteran appear?*

  • Hidden Hero/Caregiver Questionnaire

    all things you observe. If you do not wish to answer any of the required questions, write "not answering." There are no wrong answers.

  •  Veterans Affairs briefs lawmakers on domestic, sexual violence programs             

    The Department of Veterans Affairs is expanding nationwide efforts to ensure survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence and sexual assault receive the help and support they need.

    Dr. Lynda Davis, VA’s chief Veterans Experience Officer, recently joined Sens. Joni Ernst (R‑Iowa) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D‑N.Y.), leaders from the National Domestic Violence Hotline and survivor advocates for a bipartisan congressional roundtable focused on improving care for survivors.

    https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/news/inside-the-va/military-veterans-domestic-violence-4926

  • Has your Veteran physically hit you? (responsed in space below)

    a. Can you describe this experience?

    b. What kind of marks have been left on your body?

    c. Where were the marks left?

    d. Has your Veteran hit others in your household?

    e. Please answer this at your comfort level. Feel free to add or remove comments as needed. 

  • Have you sought counseling?*
  • Would it be okay if we reached out to you to publish your story?*

  • When hearing 'Intimate Partner Violence/Domestic Violence' (IPV/DV), our immediate reactions tend to be negative. Some feel anger and think support should only be provided if the caregiver leaves the abusive setting. Many of us instinctively believe, “No one should endure IPV/DV.”

    However, gaining a clearer understanding of the long-term effects of TBIs, including blast and blunt-force injuries, is essential. Many of our Veterans are unaware of their abusive behaviors.

    Let's collaborate to foster a supportive and welcoming environment for our care recipients and Hidden Heroes, making sure that everyone feels safe and valued.

  • FINAL QUESTION

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors 24/7, free and confidential.

    What 988 helps with:

    Emotional distress, anxiety, depression
    Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
    Overwhelming stress or crisis
    Support for people experiencing domestic violence, grief, or trauma
    How to use it:

    Call: 988
    Text: 988
    Chat: 988lifeline.org
    Available in English & Spanish (interpretation in 240+ languages)
    You don’t have to be in immediate danger to reach out
    If you’re with someone who’s struggling, you can call for guidance on how to help them, too.

  • 📞 National Hotlines & Support (U.S.)
    These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7:

    🔹National Domestic Violence Hotline
    Call: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
    Text: START to 88788
    Chat: Live chat advocates at https://www.thehotline.org/get-help/
    Offers crisis support, safety planning help, referrals to local shelters and support services, resources in 200+ languages.

    🔹National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline
    Call: 1-866-331-9474
    Text/Chat: Options to connect online through LoveisRespect.org — focused on teens and young adults.

    🔹StrongHearts Native Helpline
    For Indigenous survivors: 1-844-762-8483 (also available via online chat).
    Other Related Support Lines
    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for emotional support/crisis intervention.
    RAINN (National Sexual Assault Hotline): 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for sexual violence support.

    🔹Veterans Crisis Line
    For Veterans, service members, National Guard/Reserve members, and loved ones: call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. Support is available even if the person is not enrolled in VA care.

    🔹SAMHSA National Helpline
    1-800-662-HELP (4357)
    Treatment referral and information service for mental health and substance use support.

    🔹SAMHSA Mental Health Resources
    Crisis Text Line
    Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

    🔹Disaster Distress Helpline
    Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for emotional support related to disasters, traumatic events, or community crises.

    Specialized Support
    🔹Spanish-language support through 988
    Call 988 and press 2 or text AYUDA to 988.

    🔹Deaf and Hard of Hearing Support
    988 offers videophone and relay services for Deaf/HoH individuals.

    🔹Military OneSource Mental Health Support
    Information and crisis support for military families and caregivers.

    www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/veterans-crisis-line/

  • 🧠 Support & Safe Planning Tips
    Hotlines can help you create a safety plan tailored to your situation.
    Always consider your safety and privacy first – use private browsing or trusted devices if you’re concerned about monitoring.

  • By clicking Submit, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and agree to your information being used as outlined in the data section. All confidential information will not be sold, shared, or used for the benefit of any third party.

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