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Military Sexual Trauma

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Military Sexual Trauma

What is Military Sexual Trauma?

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.

Source - http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/military-sexual-trauma-general.asp

National Sexual Assault hotline: 1-800-656-4673
http://www.rainn.org*

If you are in an immediate crisis, please go to your nearest Emergency Room, or call 911, or call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to talk to someone right now.