Dear Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki:

Wartime service can take a tremendous toll on our United States military personnel. That's why, when they return home from duty, they shouldn't have to worry about their safety in their home country.

However, instances of domestic and sexual abuse within the female veteran community are on the rise. Research shows that female veterans are much more susceptible to abuse than their male counterparts, and placing them in unsecured housing environments only serves to intensify the problem.

Recently, a group of female veterans were placed in a previously all-male housing facility in Chicago. This action severely compromised the safety of the females, as mixing genders within this population can prove to be a volatile move.

We need to make sure these women are given every chance possible to readjust back into society — that means first and foremost giving them a safe and secure place to come home to.

Please see that our female veterans are cared for and protected to the best of the government's ability once they return home from duty.

Thank you for your time.