The Athena Project has carefully vetted and endorses the following services, trusting them as supportive, survivor-focused organisations aligned with our mission and values.
SUPPORT
BOOKS
PODCASTS
MUSIC
Legal Services
Website: https://wlc.org.au/
Number: 02 6257 4377
How to get help: ACCESS PDF HERE
Sexual Violence Legal Service & Women’s Legal Centre ACT
Psychology Services
This section highlights trusted psychology and psychiatry services specialising in DVA mental health claims and related paperwork. These providers are experienced in supporting veterans with tailored care and guidance through the complexities of the DVA system.
Medilinks has provided a document introducing their trauma-informed and safe practitioners, specifically selected to best support veteran survivors. By using the Medilinks referral process for your DVA claim (outlined below), you can review the attached biographies to choose a clinician who feels like the best fit for your needs and comfort.
How to get help: ACCESS PDF HERE
The following explains step-by-step how to refer a new veteran through Medilinks:
1. Veteran submits a Generalised Mental Health Claim to DVA either themselves or through an Advocate/Representative.
2. DVA acknowledges the claim and releases a Report Request with Transaction Reference Number (TRN) which allows the Veteran to book in with Medilinks.
3. The Veteran or the Advocate uses the Medilinks Jot Form to refer.
4. One of our Client Liaison Managers will receive the form and call the Veteran to book in an initial psychology appointment followed by a psychiatry appointment.
5. Veteran completes onboarding paperwork.
6. Veteran has their psychologist appointment (generally within 2-3 weeks) to gather initial information.
7. Veteran has their psychiatrist appointment (generally within 2 weeks after the psychologist).
8. Psychiatrist writes the report to DVA standards (generally within 72 hours).
9. Medilinks quality control team reads through the report to make sure all dates and terminology line up and ask the psychiatrist to make any required amendments.
10. Report is uploaded to DVA and both the Veteran and Advocate are notified.
Once the Veteran is booked in with Medilinks (Steps 3-10 above) the process takes around 6 weeks. From what I have heard, DVA's new Claims Support Officers have generally increased the speed in which the claim is acknowledged and the Report Request is generated. (WHICH IS GREAT NEWS)
After the report is uploaded to DVA, the Veteran or Advocate/Representative can then request the report under the freedom of information act to obtain a copy. The conditions determined by the psychiatrist will become the accepted conditions for the Veteran and the resulting PI points will be combined with any physical injuries to determine compensation if it is being sought.
Zed3 is a trusted provider with extensive experience supporting veterans and their advocates through the DVA mental health claims process. Their team understands the challenges and emotional toll this process can take, and they work to deliver timely, collaborative appointments with effective outcomes.
With a focus on simplicity, privacy, and client support, Zed3 ensures their services are smooth and stress-free, providing veterans with the validation, care, and respect they deserve.
zed3.com.au
info@zed3.com.au
02) 6109 8830
Zed3 is incredibly supportive of The Athena Project and is committed to working in a victim-centric and trauma-informed way, minimising the need for veterans to repeatedly re-tell their stories. They are in the process of amending their intake forms to include references to support groups like The Athena Project, allowing their intake team to identify you as a survivor and ensure you receive the care and support you deserve.
Psychology Services
This section highlights trusted psychology and psychiatry services specialising in DVA mental health claims and related paperwork. These providers are experienced in supporting veterans with tailored care and guidance through the complexities of the DVA system.
Medilinks has provided a document introducing their trauma-informed and safe practitioners, specifically selected to best support veteran survivors. By using the Medilinks referral process for your DVA claim (outlined below), you can review the attached biographies to choose a clinician who feels like the best fit for your needs and comfort.
How to get help: ACCESS PDF HERE
The following explains step-by-step how to refer a new veteran through Medilinks:
1. Veteran submits a Generalised Mental Health Claim to DVA either themselves or through an Advocate/Representative.
2. DVA acknowledges the claim and releases a Report Request with Transaction Reference Number (TRN) which allows the Veteran to book in with Medilinks.
3. The Veteran or the Advocate uses the Medilinks Jot Form to refer.
4. One of our Client Liaison Managers will receive the form and call the Veteran to book in an initial psychology appointment followed by a psychiatry appointment.
5. Veteran completes onboarding paperwork.
6. Veteran has their psychologist appointment (generally within 2-3 weeks) to gather initial information.
7. Veteran has their psychiatrist appointment (generally within 2 weeks after the psychologist).
8. Psychiatrist writes the report to DVA standards (generally within 72 hours).
9. Medilinks quality control team reads through the report to make sure all dates and terminology line up and ask the psychiatrist to make any required amendments.
10. Report is uploaded to DVA and both the Veteran and Advocate are notified.
Once the Veteran is booked in with Medilinks (Steps 3-10 above) the process takes around 6 weeks. From what I have heard, DVA's new Claims Support Officers have generally increased the speed in which the claim is acknowledged and the Report Request is generated. (WHICH IS GREAT NEWS)
After the report is uploaded to DVA, the Veteran or Advocate/Representative can then request the report under the freedom of information act to obtain a copy. The conditions determined by the psychiatrist will become the accepted conditions for the Veteran and the resulting PI points will be combined with any physical injuries to determine compensation if it is being sought.
Medilinks
Zed3
Zed3 is a trusted provider with extensive experience supporting veterans and their advocates through the DVA mental health claims process. Their team understands the challenges and emotional toll this process can take, and they work to deliver timely, collaborative appointments with effective outcomes.
With a focus on simplicity, privacy, and client support, Zed3 ensures their services are smooth and stress-free, providing veterans with the validation, care, and respect they deserve.
zed3.com.au
info@zed3.com.au
02) 6109 8830
Zed3 is incredibly supportive of The Athena Project and is committed to working in a victim-centric and trauma-informed way, minimising the need for veterans to repeatedly re-tell their stories. They are in the process of amending their intake forms to include references to support groups like The Athena Project, allowing their intake team to identify you as a survivor and ensure you receive the care and support you deserve.
Victim-Survivor Advocacy Groups
SUPPORT SERVICES
1800 SEMPRO
Open Arms
1800 011 046
www.openarms.gov.au
1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au
Full Stop Australia
1800 424 017
www.fullstop.org.au
info@fullstop.org.au
Lifeline
13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Share your story
The Royal Commission Into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, with its final report released on 9 September 2024, is a crucial resource for survivors and their community as it includes key recommendations aimed at addressing military sexual trauma and violence. The Athena Project is committed to advocating strongly for these recommendations to ensure lasting change and better support for veteran survivors.
Victim-Survivor Advocacy Groups
Share your story
She’s A Crowd
SUPPORT SERVICES
Full Stop Australia
1800 424 017
www.fullstop.org.au
info@fullstop.org.au
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline
13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
1800 SEMPRO
Open Arms
1800 011 046
www.openarms.gov.au
1800 RESPECT
1800 737 732
www.1800respect.org.au
The Royal Commission Into Defence and Veteran Suicide
The Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, with its final report released on 9 September 2024, is a crucial resource for survivors and their community as it includes key recommendations aimed at addressing military sexual trauma and violence. The Athena Project is committed to advocating strongly for these recommendations to ensure lasting change and better support for veteran survivors.
BOOKS
PODCASTS
First hand accounts from individuals who endured unimaginable crimes and survived. Our Founder's story: EP. 99 , 101 & 103
Wholesome podcast all about self love, personal power, manifestation and everything in between.
Part 2: The Royal Commission into the Australian Defence force With Jordyn from the Athena Project
Part 1: The Royal Commission into the Australian Defence force With Jordyn from the Athena Project
BOOKS
PODCASTS
First hand accounts from individuals who endured unimaginable crimes and survived. Our Founder's story: EP. 99 , 101 & 103
Part 1: The Royal Commission into the Australian Defence force With Jordyn from the Athena Project
Wholesome podcast all about self love, personal power, manifestation and everything in between.
Part 2: The Royal Commission into the Australian Defence force With Jordyn from the Athena Project
MUSIC
Taylor Swift, karma, keeping your side of the street clean. Need I say more.
TW: A song that hits you deep in your feels. This song breaks down the ‘good bloke’ complex and addresses the trauma response of ‘fawning.’ Noting that everyone’s experience with sexual violence is different this may not be accurate for all. However, it is a masterpiece of a song that for people that may not have experience SGBV but can feel music, offers a small insight into the feeling and confusion after the fact.
The lyrics and verses of this song are so powerful and resonate of reclaiming your power. A fair warning, the chorus may be a bit much for your ears, literally not figuratively. I won’t give a summation of this song because I would love to hear your thoughts and how it made you feel!
This group have incredibly strong messages in all of their music and none of it is up for interpretation, it is all in black and white. We recommend giving this one a listen to feel empowered, and maybe a little mad.
Strong, empowering, emotional. This song was one that Athena Project founder had on repeat for months after her assault. There are lots of ways to interprets Meg Mac’s music but for us, this song hits as a soulful reminder of our own power!
In all honesty, I just love to scream the line “No, you're not half the man you think that you are,” and feeling all the feels that come with it! A beautiful song, powerful lyrics and a hell of a tune!
MUSIC
Wholesome podcast all about self love, personal power, manifestation and everything in between.
TW: A song that hits you deep in your feels. This song breaks down the ‘good bloke’ complex and addresses the trauma response of ‘fawning.’ Noting that everyone’s experience with sexual violence is different this may not be accurate for all. However, it is a masterpiece of a song that for people that may not have experience SGBV but can feel music, offers a small insight into the feeling and confusion after the fact.
The lyrics and verses of this song are so powerful and resonate of reclaiming your power. A fair warning, the chorus may be a bit much for your ears, literally not figuratively. I won’t give a summation of this song because I would love to hear your thoughts and how it made you feel!
This group have incredibly strong messages in all of their music and none of it is up for interpretation, it is all in black and white. We recommend giving this one a listen to feel empowered, and maybe a little mad.
Strong, empowering, emotional. This song was one that Athena Project founder had on repeat for months after her assault. There are lots of ways to interprets Meg Mac’s music but for us, this song hits as a soulful reminder of our own power!
In all honesty, I just love to scream the line “No, you're not half the man you think that you are,” and feeling all the feels that come with it! A beautiful song, powerful lyrics and a hell of a tune!
Submit your recommendations & go-to songs, books, podcasts that have helped you on your survivor journey.
FAQ'S
The Athena Project is at its core a veteran support organisation. The core service of the Athena Project, The Survivor Advocate Network, is a service accessible to all veterans and their partners including: current serving members, previous serving members and their spouses. For related services also offered by The Athena Project and its founder, these can be accessed, utilised and engaged by any organisation, individual or group looking to learn, understand or assist in our mission.
Who can use and access The Athena Project?
FAQ'S
How does The Athena Project work?
The Athena Project is a not-for-profit organisation that runs on the power of its volunteers. The support advocacy network consists of a network of beautiful souls who volunteer their time to be available if and when, a victim-survivor may require their support in a moment of crisis. Our volunteers submit an expression of interest to become an advocate and they are then interviewed and vetted by our team. Once they have been offered a volunteer role of an advocate they complete a training module designed to promote understanding, empathy, compassion as well as outline the expectations of them in their role as an advocate. They are then listed on The Athena Project website, as an active advocate and if a victim-survivor in their locality requires an advocate they will connect with the victim-survivor and provide services of an advocate.
As for the additional and bespoke services offered by The Project, this operates on an as required and as engaged basis by liaison with our Founder and Director, Jordyn. Jordyn has extensive experience as a Keynote Speaker and Advocate and offers services of consulting, presenting, panel speaking amongst a myriad of other skills to corporate entities, Defence units and teams who are aligned with The Project’s mission and invested in the lives of veteran victim-survivors.
FAQ'S
Do I contact The Athena Project if I am in immediate danger?
No. If you are in immediate danger please call 000 (if in Australia) or the global emergency number 112. The Athena Project is unable to provide assistance in an emergency, so if your safety is at risk please contact emergency services.
FAQ'S
Is The Athena Project only for women?
To be upfront, gender is a spectrum and all genders experience violence within our veteran communities. The Athena Project welcomes advocates from all genders and is a service available to all genders. The Project acknowledges that there are certain demographics who make up the majority of victim-survivors of sexual and gender based violence and in this way offer some select services and community groups for specifically female-identifying members. However, everyone is welcome at The Athena Project and it is a safe place for all people, no matter your gender, identity, sexual preference or experience.
FAQ'S
How can I access a victim-support advocate?
To access our victim-survivor advocate service please CLICK HERE. This will prompt you to send an email which will be received by our team and flagged as a priority. As we grow this process will evolve. Do not fret if there are no volunteers in your locality, some of our advocates are able to travel to your locality to provide support. Alternatively, if you are more comfortable with an advocate service being delivered over the phone, this can also be arranged. You are also welcome to email The Athena Project directly at hello@theathenaproject.com.au to engage with our services.
FAQ'S
Do I have to have Australian Defence Force experience to be a part of The Athena Project?
Not at all! Whilst it is helpful to have an understanding of the dynamics at play in The Australian Defence Force, it is not a requirement of our advocates to have service experience or exposure. We welcome advocates from all backgrounds as we believe the core of being an advocate is not about a shared employment history, but the compassion people have for one another. Our training module covers an introduction to the ADF for all advocates to allow for common understanding and assistance in navigating processes and terminology specific to Defence that may be experienced by victim-survivors.
FAQ'S
How do I become an advocate?
All Athena Project advocates are selected and vetted prior to becoming active advocates. You can submit your expression of interest to be an Athena Project advocate and read more about the process HERE.
FAQ'S
How do I attend the monthly MeetUp?
To attend the monthly Veteran & Defence Community MeetUp, follow these steps:
1. Visit The Survivor Hub website.
2. Navigate to the registration section for the MeetUps.
3. Register for the Veteran & Defence Community MeetUp, which is held on the second Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm AEST.
4. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the online MeetUp.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact The Athena Project team via this website or seek further support from the team at The Survivor Hub via their website.
FAQ'S
