"When I first been in contact with MRCC I was not sure what to expect.  I was very skeptical. My command in the Coast Guard betrayed me and I was not sure if anyone would have been able to help me. I could not trust anyone and was afraid to not be believed again. Instead what I found was a group of women that offered me support and sound advice and never once doubted my story. It amazes me again and again."

A.L
Seattle, WA

"I was not believed when I reported a rape and ended up losing my 16 years career in the Navy.  I was angry, scared and did not know who to turned to. I found the Military Rape Crisis Center through a google search and sent them an email. Within minutes Melissa responded with a list of resources in my area. Most importantly I was believed."

Lt. Commanders get raped too
Florida

"It was 3am on December 25, 2008. Aside from it being Christmas it was also the one year anniversary of my MST. I could not sleep, I was lonely, depressed and raging with anger. I was also suicidal. I called PB on her cell phone which she gave me at an earlier occasion stating that I wish my life would end. She stayed on the phone with me for 3.5 hours until she knew I would be okay. She is the shipmate that I never had."

Coast Guard Veteran
Providence, RI

"I spent 10 years in counseling at the VA, took a few skill learning groups at the VA and even spent 8 weeks at an residential program that was less than helpful. At first, I did not know what to expect from the support groups but I tried everything that was offered by the VA, Vet Centers and private counseling and nothing has worked. Even though I am the only Air Force vet at the New London support groups that is predominately Coast Guard Active Duty and Cadets I was welcomed with open arms. Talking to a group of women that been through or going through what I had and helping each other through it is extremely empowerment. PB, Melissa and all the women in my group are my angels in combat boots. "

K.T, 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veteran, Air Force Veteran
Hartford, CT

"Our daughter was raped while serving in Iraq with the Massachusetts Army National Guard. She kept it a secret even from us out of embarrassment and fear of losing her job. When our daughter came back she was a much different person. She was drinking heavily, had angry outbursts and was getting in trouble with the law. With much hesitant she began counseling at the Vet Center where she reveled a history of command rape. Her counselor recommended the Military Rape Crisis Center as a resource page. The entire staff at MRCC has helped my daughter process what happened to her over in Iraq.

Michael S. and Kristen  D'Alamo
Concord, MA

"There are times being told "I know how you feel because I've been there too. We'll get through this together." is by far more helpful than all the drugs that the Department of Veterans Affairs has put me on. Thank you PB."

Beatrice  C.
Spokane, WA
USMC

"I met PB while she was handing out fliers about Military Sexual Trauma outside of my station. We should all have the leadership skills that this woman has. It is a shame that the Coast Guard could not see pass a woman being raped and see the remarkable skills that this woman has. Even though I was never raped just reading this woman's story gives me the chills. She have worked tirelessly helping her shipmates from falling victim of sexual violence. I am proud to say that she is my shipmate."

BMC

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.  PB and Melissa are my lifesavers. Thank you.

Melanie