What happens when a survivor of military sexual assault is not only silenced but discarded by the very institution they gave an oath to? How do we respond when their stories of trauma, PTSD, and struggle for justice come to light?

Today, we confront military sexual trauma and the devastating aftermath for those who speak out. Army veteran, author, and PTSD advocate Simone Swartz joins Lisa to share her journey from honor and ambition to betrayal. Simone reveals how the military’s culture of misogyny and silence left her without a safe place to turn after being assaulted by a fellow soldier. Instead of receiving care, she was blamed, ostracized, and ultimately discharged—her service and future erased in a single stamp.

Simone and Lisa discuss the long-term impact of military sexual trauma: PTSD, addiction, and the struggle for basic dignity and healthcare. But Simone’s story is also one of hope and transformation. She is dedicated to helping others understand that PTSD is treatable. Through therapy, community, and the unconditional support of her service dog, Simone learned to manage her symptoms and rebuild her life. She shares practical insights on recognizing PTSD, seeking help, and the importance of persistence in recovery.

For Simone, her service dog became a lifeline—helping her manage panic, rebuild trust, and reclaim her life one step at a time. Her message to listeners is clear: no matter the trauma, healing is possible, and no one is beyond hope. PTSD can be managed, and survivors deserve support, respect, and the chance to thrive. She has written, soon to be published PTSD and What Helped Me, in hopes of bringing a consolidated resource for those dealing with PTSD.

This episode is a call to believe survivors, to demand accountability from the systems that fail them, and to recognize that recovery is possible—even after the deepest betrayals. Simone’s courage and advocacy remind us that with the right support, every survivor can find a path forward.

“From now on, PTSD is treatable and the sky's the limit.”

Just a heads up: This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, initmate partner violence, substance abuse and PTSD. Some may find it upsetting. We encourage you to take care of yourself.

About Simone Swartz:

Simone Swartz is an Army Veteran, mother of 3, author, public speaker, and leading PTSD expert on Service dogs and PTSD. She is also a Military Sexual Trauma Survivor. Her journey living with PTSD, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and addiction has led her to share her story and ways to overcome trauma and live a fulfilled life.

Follow Simone @ptsdandwhathelpedme and @servicedoginnewyork on Instagram. @ptsdandwhathelpedme on TikTok and Youtube Check out www.ptsdandwhathelpedme.com to learn more about her work and to order her book.

Follow Lisa Phillips ⁠@iamlisaphillips⁠ on Instagram.

From Now On is produced by LA PHILLIPS MEDIA. Listen and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

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If today’s conversation resonated with you and you are seeking more support in your own healing journey, here are some resources below:

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, help is available. Call 800.656.HOPE (4673)
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Text 233733 (befree).
PAVE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit creating a world free from sexual violence and building communities to support survivors.
Speak Out, Act, Reclaim (SOAR) is dedicated to providing a safe and empowering space for survivors of sex trafficking to reclaim their stories and stand up for themselves and each other.

THE MILITARY DISCHARGE: Surviving Sexual Assault & Healing PTSD with a Service Dog