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Hello TriciaB and I'm sorry for what you have had to endure and glad that you found your way to this group of warm-hearted, compassionate and understanding souls. You're in the right place to continue your healing 

I knew it was not my fault for what happened to me and did not deserve it at all

Hi TriciaB,
That feeling of unconditional acceptance from another creature brings tears to my eyes, too.  Thanks for sharing that vulnerable moment.
   -Cascade

My therapist thought this was a good idea.

Having my service dog Louie in my life has been a huge blessing. He is a black labrador retriever and got him in October. With my PTSD,I do have panic attacks once in a while and he is trained well to sense when I have one. One was while I was in bed sleeping,sensed it licking me in the face letting me pet him. Louie has also changed my life around during my recovery,a pal always by my side when I go anywhere. My family has seen these positive changes in me as well since I got him. First time I got him,I was emotional with tears of joy and he did come to me and that is when I know I deserved him

Hi I am so sorry that you were brutally assaulted by your commander while you were serving. It's I think one of the worst forms of assault and just makes me so angry that women and men have to suffer this way while sacrificing and serving.

I saw a really touching documentary about sexual assault in the military. If you haven't seen it let me know and I'll try to find the name of it. I find hearing others' stories helpful in not feeling alone.

How are you doing now? Have you received treatment or just a diagnosis? Thanks for sharing here, TriciaB.

I have seen it, The Invincible War.I see a therapist still. I also have a service dog that I got in October named Louie. I do get the panic attacks once in a while, he is trained to sense this. I am doing good.

Hello TriciaB and ruff ruff Louie,
So glad you have each other and thank you for joining us!  We are all on the long road to recovery.  I'm saddened to hear about what your commander did to you.  Grrr... bring him in and we'll court martial him, hehehe!  Power dynamics and authority takes so many forms.  I'm very glad to hear that the VA and Wounded Warrior Project are working as intended for you.  I look forward to hearing more from you and healing together.
   -Cascade

I got Louie back in October and has been good on when I have a panic attack trained well.Senses it on the spot

I was sexually assaulted in the military in 2011. I was 14 years in the Marines and a commander I was under would not take no for an answer taking advantage of me. It was bad and he would get upset telling him no. Would blow up and drag me into his office shutting the door. First time was inappropriate touching in spots that made me uncomfortable. It was my legs and feet then to my arms and hands smacking my butt a few times. I cried during it. Reported it and thought something would be done about it,nothing was done about it. I was angry, it was swept under the rug.

(TW for SA) Second time,he blew right up after I told him no turning into a fight shoving me into the filing cabinet.Then grabbed me putting my back towards his chest. Said what he was going to do to me next was not going to hurt. It hurt, first touched my breasts fondling them enjoying it. Then it was his left hand down to my genitalia area touching me down there. I reported it and nothing was done about it swept under the rug. I was not myself after that and it shown.

I did get a honorable discharge and things got worse after that. I was in the dumps not wanting to get out and do nothing. My family and friends,they were concerned and the VA was contacted. Convinced me to get help and did.Therapist diagnosed me with PTSD. The VA did get involved and Wounded Warrior Project was contacted.

Hello,I am a 45 year old with PTSD. It all happened when I was in the military,Marines. I was sexually assaulted by a commander I was under.He would not take no for an answer.This was in 2011,I was in the dumps at first.  It has been a long recovery with my family for support including from Wounded Warrior Project. The VA has been a good help too. Things have been better with my service dog,Louie when I do have the panic attacks.