Military Sexual Trauma Resources & Recovery Stories

Military Sexual Trauma

Resources

Help and resources for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) is available. Below are key resources including downloadable fact sheets and educational tools, videos, and podcasts that can help survivors and supporters learn more about MST and VA’s free MST-related services.

Beyond MST mobile app

Beyond MST is a free, secure, and private self-help mobile app 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 the VA.

Fact sheets

• Military sexual trauma fact sheet
  Background information about MST, including what it is, how it can affect survivors, and help available through VA.
• Men and MST infographic (English | Spanish) 
  Information on men’s recovery from MST.
• Women and MST infographic (English | Spanish) 
  Information on women’s recovery from MST.
• Top 10 things healthcare and service professionals should know about VA’s MST services
  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 health care services available through VA.
• VA disability compensation for conditions related to MST
  Details on VA’s disability compensation for conditions related to MST. (Veterans don’t need to have a VA disability rating to receive free MST-related treatment through VA.)

Stories of recovery

• 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.
• “What happened to me wasn’t my fault.” Veteran restores her inner peace
  While serving in the Army, Lynette experienced military sexual trauma. The experience affected her mental health and her ability to be around others, so she sought therapy. The treatment helped her let go of her self-blame. Now she connects with other women Veterans and advocates for their mental health, using what she’s learned to help others.
• Veteran overcomes "living hell" of drug addiction through treatment
  Ricky joined the Marines looking for structure as a young father. At age 21, he was sexually assaulted at a party while heavily intoxicated. He turned to drugs and crime in an attempt to avoid the trauma. Then he met his wife, who led him to get help. Opening up in therapy about his past helped Ricky move forward and become sober.
• All the difference
  Valerie always saw military service as honorable and was inspired to join the U.S. Army. When a fellow service member assaulted her, she couldn’t make sense of the experience and blamed herself. Through VA treatment for PTSD and the support of a women’s group, Valerie found hope and recognized that she wasn’t responsible for what happened to her.

Podcasts

• VHA Homeless Programs: Ending Veteran Homelessness
  On the episode Supporting Survivors of Military Sexual Trauma, guests share what the research says about how MST impacts survivors, how advocacy and seeking justice can support recovery, and what VA is doing to help.
• Real Veterans. Real Stories: The Path to Forgiveness
  The “Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories” podcast is powered by the voices of Veterans sharing their stories. Robert is a survivor of sexual violence, and its effects controlled his life for over 30 years. Through support from VA, Robert discovered that forgiveness was his most valuable tool in restoring his peace of mind, hope, and joy.

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