06-05-2025
Addressing Critical Gaps in Suicide Prevention for Military-Affiliated Women: New Report from Cohen Veterans Network
Supported by a grant from Face the Fight®, CVN research highlights key strategies to improve lethal means safety counseling for women veterans and service members
STAMFORD, Conn., May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit network of mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans, service members and their families, today announced the release of a new report that critically assesses the current state of lethal means safety research and practice for military-affiliated women. The analysis, conducted by CVN's Institute for Quality (CVN-IQ) with support from Face the Fight, provides actionable recommendations to enhance suicide prevention efforts for the nearly 2.5 million women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military.
(PRNewsfoto/Cohen Veterans Network)
The report, "Identifying Gaps in Lethal Means Safety Counseling Research and Practice for Military-Affiliated Women," highlights the increasing rate of suicide among women veterans and active duty service members, with firearms cited as the most commonly used method. Despite the alarming statistics, existing suicide prevention strategies have historically taken a gender-neutral approach, overlooking the unique needs, experiences, and risks faced by military-affiliated women.
Key highlights from the analysis, which draws on insights from subject matter experts with extensive experience in research, clinical training, and clinical practice, include:
Misconceptions on Risk Factors: Enhanced training and clinical procedures can improve care for women by addressing gendered misconceptions of suicide risk and behaviors and ensuring that screening protocols assess firearm access rather than ownership.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Current lethal means safety counseling (LMSC) guidelines lack sufficient strategies to address the complexities introduced by IPV and MST, both of which heighten suicide risk in women.
Cultural Gaps in Firearm Familiarization: A disconnect between clinicians' knowledge of firearm safety and military-affiliated women's firearm practices impacts the effectiveness of counseling.
Barriers to Care: Many women face challenges accessing care due to systemic issues or fears regarding firearm access restrictions, limiting the reach of LMSC efforts. Public health approaches, such as targeted awareness campaigns, are instrumental in meeting military-affiliated women where they are.
"Women veterans and service members face unique challenges and risks that require tailored, thoughtful approaches to suicide prevention," said Dr. David Linkh, director of CVN-IQ. "This gap analysis equips clinicians, researchers, and policymakers with actionable insights to address the needs of military-affiliated women and advance the field toward more effective interventions."
