Military Sexual Trauma: Resources

Military Sexual Trauma
Resources
VA Resources
Fact Sheets
Below are downloadable brochures for Veterans, educational tools for providers, and articles that help survivors and providers learn more about MST and VA’s free MST-related services.
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Military Sexual Trauma Fact Sheet
Background information about MST, including what it is, how it can affect Veterans, and help available through VA. -
MST Brochure for Veterans (English / Spanish)
An overview of issues related to MST and how to access VA services. -
Men and MST — Educational Brochure (English / Spanish) and Infographic (English / Spanish)
Information on men’s recovery from MST. -
Women and MST — Infographic (English/Spanish)
Information on women’s recovery from MST. -
Help for Veterans Affected by Recent Public Discussions About Sexual Abuse
Information, coping suggestions, and resources for connecting with care, for Veterans who may be feeling distressed by recent public discussions about sexual assault and harassment. -
Top 10 Facts About VA Services for MST
Quick reference information for non-VA service providers about VA’s MST-related offerings. -
VA’s Health Care Services for MST
Summary of eligibility requirements and types of MST-related services available through VA. -
VA Disability Compensation for Conditions Related to MST— Fact Sheet and General Information —
Details on VA’s disability compensation for conditions related to MST. (Veterans do not need to have a VA disability rating to receive free MST-related treatment through VA.)
Stories of Recovery
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MakeTheConnection.net
Visit this site to view stories from Veterans who have overcome mental health challenges, including those related to MST. Make the Connection is a one-stop resource where Veterans and their families and friends can explore information on mental health issues, hear fellow Veterans and their families share stories of resilience, and access the support and resources they need. -
Don't Suffer in Silence: VA Offers Help for Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
In this article, Air National Guard Veteran Jennifer Norris and Army Veteran Rowdy Grigsby share their stories. -
Military Sexual Trauma: Stories from Survivors
In this article, two MST survivors, John and Glenda, share their stories of recovery from MST. They also describe how taking advantage of free services from the VA helped with this process. -
Veteran Learns to "Face her Demons" with VA PTSD Treatment
Michelle Covert had PTSD for 24 years but didn’t know it. Today, thanks to her treatment at a VA hospital, she is working, happy and determined to be a “voice of hope.” -
“I made it!”: Massachusetts Veteran with PTSD turns his life around
Rich Adams was sexually assaulted while in the Navy and retreated into a life of shame and anger. Treatment has turned his life around dramatically. -
The ‘Invisible Monster’: A Homeless Female Veteran’s Journey to Take Back Her Life from PTSD
Casondra Williams struggled after experiencing MST during her service. It took courage for her to reach out for help from the VA, but doing so has helped her take her life back. -
When a Victim Becomes a Victor: This Navy Veteran Stands on His Story of Military Sexual Assault
Navy Veteran Timothy Jones shares his story of coming forward and recovering from MST, and the courageous steps he took to accept assistance from VA homelessness and mental health programs along the way.
Other Resources
Health.mil
Information about the Department of Defense Sexual Assault Prevention and Response programs.
Department of Defense Safe Helpline
This crisis support service is available to any member of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault. You can click, call, or text to get anonymous one-on-one advice, support, and information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Go to www.safehelpline.org for a live chat or to view resources.
Department of Defense Safe Helpline
Building Hope and Resiliency Online Course
This self-guided program helps active duty Service members begin to recover, heal, and enhance their resiliency after experiencing sexual assault in the military. This resource is also useful for providers working with survivors.