Have Her Six: Two Minutes to Reduce Risk

Our free interactive tool is designed to help reduce suicide risk among women veterans and service members. Whether you’re a woman veteran or supporter, this platform offers evidence-based, practical solutions you can act on today.

How does it work?

Guides you through brief questions based on your specific situation or experiences.
Provides actionable strategies focused on mental health, safety, and community connection.
Raises awareness, equips users with knowledge, and encourages life-saving action in just minutes.

Take Two Minutes to Learn How To Reduce Risk

Step 1 of 7

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Choose what best describes you:

I am a Woman Veteran

I support Women Veterans

Did you know?

There are nearly 2.5 million women who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. military. But with that comes a troubling reality: Women veterans face suicide rates 92% higher than their civilian counterparts.

Follow the prompts to learn more about how to address suicide risk:

Tell me how I can reduce my suicide risk.

I’m feeling good, why do I need to worry about my suicide risk?

Keep doing what you’re doing to take good care of yourself. Anybody can have a crisis, and the best way to prevent a crisis from turning into a tragedy is to take action when you are NOT in a crisis.

What best describes your current situation:

I share a home with a woman veteran

I don’t live with a woman veteran, but have a woman veteran in my life

I don’t know any women veterans but I want to help

We all play a role in suicide prevention!
Even if you don’t have a woman veteran in your life, you can still Have Her Six.

Educate yourself! Learn more about unique challenges and strengths of women veterans!

Support organizations that focus on women veterans and suicide prevention and share their resources – like this tool! – to help amplify their reach.

Learn more about veteran suicide prevention

I am…

Concerned about a woman veteran

Not concerned about the veteran, why should I think about risk?

Anybody can have a crisis, and the best way to prevent a crisis from turning into a tragedy is to take action before a crisis starts. Learn more about ways you can be prepared to Have Her Six.

What actions can I take today to reduce my risk during a future crisis?

1. Consider Professional Support
If you’re ever struggling with your mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to an organization like CVN, the VA, or a local therapy provider. Taking that first step to connect with care can feel daunting, but it’s also an important one— the sooner you get support, the sooner you can start feeling better.

Here are ways you can be prepared to "Have Her Six"

1. Call 988
If you or someone you know needs support for a suicidal, mental health, and/or substance use crisis, call 988 (press 1 for veterans). It’s confidential, free, and available 24/7/365 for anyone experiencing or concerned about a mental health emergency.

2. Create “Time & Distance”
Suicidal crises are intense but often short-lived, lasting just hours or even minutes. So if you make your environment safer, such as limiting immediate access to lethal means—you give yourself the time to move past the peak of the crisis.   

See the prompts below to explore different ways to make your environment safer.

Firearms

Medication

Other Lethal Means

Medication
Keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in a secure, locked location. Dispose of expired or unused medications properly to prevent misuse.

Firearms
Keep firearms stored securely by ensuring they are unloaded, locked in a safe location, and stored separately from ammunition. Utilize tools like gun safes, lockboxes, or trigger locks to reduce access in a time of crisis. Consider temporarily storing the firearm out of the house, like with a trusted friend or at a gun club.

Other Lethal Means
Securely store potentially harmful items (ex. chemicals) and limit access to areas or objects (ex. ropes) that could pose a risk. Creating barriers, using locks, and keeping certain items out of reach can help reduce impulsive actions and foster a safer environment for everyone.

What if these items are in my home but I'm not the owner

What if these items are in my home but I’m not the owner

If you don’t own the lethal means, first consider if the relationship with the owner feels safe and supportive.

Is the owner a safe person to approach?

Yes

If the owner feels safe…
Share your concerns openly and discuss ways to secure the items safely. While the conversation may feel uncomfortable, trusted loved ones often want to help and can be valuable allies in ensuring safety. Connecting with a mental health professional can help prepare you for the conversation.

If the owner is not a safe person to approach….
Consider ways to create time and distance from the lethal means without raising concerns. This might include spending time in a different environment or finding other ways to prioritize your safety. If increasing time and distance isn’t possible, focus on other safety strategies, like seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals who can help you navigate the situation. If you’re feeling unsafe, resources are available to support you, including The Domestic Violence Hotline and Love is Respect.

What Now?
The best way to prevent a crisis from turning into a tragedy is to take proactive steps before a crisis occurs. By addressing safety today, you create a foundation of protection for yourself and others. Secure potentially harmful items, establish a support network, and have open conversations about mental health and safety. Taking these actions not only safeguards your well-being but also helps protect other women veterans in your life. Together, you can “Have Her Six” by fostering a community of care, understanding, and preparedness.

Practice Having Her Six
Family and friends can support women veterans in many ways, such as recognizing and validating their feelings through open, non-judgmental conversations. Offering practical help, like assisting with daily tasks, can ease their stress. Suggesting constructive distractions, such as outdoor activities, can help lift their mood. And when needed, helping them connect with mental health resources like Cohen Veterans Network or Coaching Into Care ensures they have access to the support they need.
Learn More

Learn more about Women Veterans Suicide Prevention

Have Her Six