Military Sexual Trauma: Effects & Veteran Resources

Military Sexual Trauma

Overview

VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you were involved against your will or were unable to say no. Examples include:

• Being pressured or coerced into sexual activities, such as with threats of negative treatment if you refuse to cooperate or with promises of better treatment if you do cooperate
• Sexual contact or activities without your consent, including when you were asleep or intoxicated
• Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex
• Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that made you uncomfortable, including during hazing experiences
• Comments about sexual activities or about your body that you found threatening
• Unwanted sexual advances that you found threatening

Care for MST survivors

Veterans from any background can experience MST. VA is ready to help Veterans and other former service members with free and confidential MST-related care, no matter how long ago the experience occurred.

Explore treatment options and eligibility for care.

Impact of MST

Anyone can experience MST, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, racial or ethnic background, or branch of service. Like other types of trauma, MST can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, even many years later. These are some of the things you may experience:

• Disturbing memories or nightmares
• Difficulty feeling safe
• Feelings of depression or numbness
• Alcohol or other drug use to numb or escape from negative feelings
• Feelings of isolation from other people
• Difficulty with anger, irritability, or other strong emotions
• Self-doubt, self-blame, or decreased self-esteem
• Issues with sleep
• Physical health problems

Help is available

If you’re having any difficulties related to MST, VA is here to support you in whatever way will help you best⁠—from helping you learn more about how MST affects people to providing treatment that can help you cope with the effects of MST. For questions about treatment and health care options related to MST, talk with the VHA MST Coordinator at a VA health care facility near you.

The Beyond MST mobile app can also help. This free, secure, and private self-help mobile app was created specifically to support the health and well-being of survivors of MST. The app has over 30 specialized tools and other features to help MST survivors cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life and find hope. Users don’t need to create an account or be in treatment to use the app. Any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including VA.

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