The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) defines military
sexual trauma (MST) as sexual harassment that is threatening or
physical assault of a sexual nature. These traumas occur when a
person is in the military. The location, the genders of the
people involved, and their relationship do not matter.
Sexual harassment may include:
A put-down because of your gender
Flirting when you've made clear it's not welcome.
Sexual comments or gestures about your body or
lifestyle.
Pressure for sexual favors.
Sexual assault can be any sort of sexual activity that you
don't want. It doesn't have to include physical force. Sexual
assault may include:
Touching or grabbing
Intercourse
Oral or anal sex
Penetration with an object
People who have been sexually assaulted often feel that no one
can help, that they have no power, and that it may happen again.
People may tell you or suggest that it was your fault or that you
just need to get over it.
Your military experience may make these feelings more intense.
This is because the person responsible:
May work with and live close to you.
May have some control over your needs, such as medical
care.
May have some control over your promotions and career.
The bonding within your unit can make it hard to report your
assault. You may feel torn between loyalty to your unit and to
yourself, and you may feel you need to keep quiet for the good of
the group. You may feel forced to choose between your military
career and continued contact with the person who assaulted
you.
Who gets MST?
MST can happen during war, peace, or training. It can be
man-to-woman, woman-to-man, woman-to-woman, or man-to-man. Among
veterans using VA health care, about:
23 out of 100 women (23%) reported sexual assault when in
the military
55 out of 100 women (55%) and 38 out of 100 men (38%) have
experienced sexual harassment when in the military
Even though military sexual trauma is far more common in
women, over half of all veterans with MST are men.
What happens?
There is no set reaction to MST. You may feel fear, shame,
anger, embarrassment, or guilt. You may find it difficult to
trust other people. You may have a response right away, or it may
be delayed for months or years. You may feel sad or scared months
or years after the assault.
After MST you may notice an increase in physical symptoms such
as headaches, diarrhea, chronic fatigue, or gynecological
problems. People with MST also have more medical problems such as
arthritis, diabetes, and obesity.
After MST people may feel depressed or have PTSD. If the
depression or PTSD is severe, people may become suicidal. Some
people have problems with anxiety and may have panic attacks.
Other people may use drugs or alcohol to cope with their
problems.
What can I do?
After a sexual assault, many veterans keep quiet. They worry
what others will think of them, and that talking about the
assault will hurt their military careers. But the VA can
help.
The VA has qualified MST counselors at every hospital. Many
Vet Centers also have an MST coordinator. This person can discuss
treatment with you and help you find the services that best fit
your needs. Many VAs and Vet Centers offer services specific to
men and women.
Counseling often is used to treat MST. Your doctor also may
prescribe medicines that help with symptoms. Treatment can help
you cope with trauma and regain confidence and self-esteem.
Even though military sexual trauma is far more common in
women, over half of all veterans with military sexual trauma are
men.
