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OEF/OIF Mental Health Care Resources
Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term that the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred while the veteran was in the military. The definition of MST comes from Public Law and is “physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for training." Sexual harassment is further defined as “repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character." Both women and men can experience MST during their service.
Every VA facility has a designated MST Coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related issues. The VA provides free, confidential counseling and treatment to male and female veterans for mental and physical health conditions related to experiences of MST. You do not need to be service connected and may be able to receive this benefit even if you are not eligible for other VA care. You do not need to have reported the incident when it happened or have other documentation that it occurred.
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