Shield of Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), unveils new initiatives to provide healing and advocacy for women who serve.
-- Shannon Hough Launches Shield of Sisters to Empower Military Sexual Trauma Survivors
In a powerful move to help veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST), Shannon Hough, a survivor and the founder/CEO of Shield of Sisters (SOS), has announced a series of new initiatives aimed at providing healing and advocacy for women affected by MST. The organization, dedicated to fostering sisterhood and strength, aims to fill a significant gap in services for military women who have suffered from sexual violence during their service.
Through its core mission of restoration and empowerment, Shield of Sisters is focusing on creating safe spaces for women to share their stories, access vital resources, and reclaim their voices. The organization is dedicated to supporting the transition from surviving trauma to thriving in all areas of life, fostering resilience, and encouraging the healing journey. Hough's vision for SOS is clear: "One day, we will be the premiere nonprofit organization for Lady Veterans who have endured MST."
A Unique Mission with No Competition
What sets Shield of Sisters apart from other organizations is its unwavering commitment to military sexual trauma survivors. Hough, a survivor herself, understands firsthand the emotional and psychological toll of sexual assault during military service. Unlike many organizations that offer general services for veterans, Shield of Sisters is the only nonprofit exclusively focused on the long-term recovery of women who have experienced MST.
The uniqueness of the organization lies not just in its targeted focus on MST survivors, but also in its dedication to creating an environment of sisterhood—a space where women can connect, heal, and grow together. The initiative is one of the few that recognizes and amplifies the voices of survivors, focusing on a specialized need that is often overlooked in broader veterans’ services.
"Too many women who serve our country are victims of sexual assault, and even fewer are given the support they need to heal," says Hough. "At Shield of Sisters, we are dedicated to changing that by providing women with the tools, resources, and community they need to recover fully."
The Stark Reality of Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Rates
One of the most troubling statistics related to MST is the correlation between military sexual trauma and suicide rates among women veterans. Studies indicate that one in three women who serve in the military experience sexual assault, and many survivors face a higher risk of suicide following their trauma. Hough is committed to shedding light on this issue and advocating for systemic change within the Department of Defense to prevent sexual assault in the military.
The impact of MST on women’s mental health is profound, with many survivors facing years of trauma and emotional scars. Hough's own journey of healing was challenging, but it is one she hopes will inspire other women to seek the help they deserve. “Our mission is simple: to help women survive and ultimately thrive,” Hough says. “I want to raise awareness of the devastating impact of MST, but also to highlight that healing is possible. Every woman deserves to feel whole again.”
Restoration Retreats Across the Country
A cornerstone of Shield of Sisters’ approach is its series of Restoration Retreats, which are designed to provide a peaceful, restorative environment for women to process their trauma, access emotional and mental health support, and build lasting connections with other survivors. These retreats will be held throughout the United States, with plans to expand to various territories as SOS grows and establishes local chapters.
Hough envisions a future where no woman has to feel isolated in her recovery process. "We aim to reach every woman who has experienced MST and create a nationwide network of support. With SOS chapters forming across the country, we are working toward a world where every woman knows she is not alone."
Collaborating for Change
As Shield of Sisters continues to expand, it remains committed to collaborating with like-minded organizations and advocating for policy changes that will help eliminate sexual assault in the military. Hough’s passion for reform extends to her efforts to push for stronger policies within the Department of Defense, with the goal of ensuring that future generations of servicewomen are better protected and supported.
The nonprofit’s advocacy is set to challenge outdated practices, raise awareness of the prevalence of MST, and ensure that military sexual trauma survivors receive the resources, justice, and care they deserve.
About Shield of Sisters
Shield of Sisters (SOS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women veterans who have experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST) during their service in the United States military. Founded by Shannon Hough, a survivor of MST, SOS provides a safe space for women to heal, share their stories, and reclaim their lives. Through its network of local chapters and national Restoration Retreats, SOS is committed to empowering survivors, advocating for policy change, and fostering resilience, strength, and hope.
Media Contact:
Shannon Hough
Founder & CEO
Email: Shannon@shieldofsisters.com
Website: www.shieldofsisters.com
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Contact Info:
Name: Shannon Hough
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Organization: Shield of Sisters
Website: http://www.shieldofsisters.com
Release ID: 89158904
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