Mental Health

Resources

VA Resources

Fact Sheets

Below are downloadable brochures for survivors, educational tools for providers, and articles that help survivors and providers learn more about MST and VA’s free MST-related services.

• Military Sexual Trauma Fact Sheet
  Background information about MST, including what it is, how it can affect survivors, and help available through VA.

• Help for Veterans Distressed by Recent Events Related to MST and Violence Toward People of Color 
  Coping suggestions and resources for connecting with care for MST survivors and others feeling pain and distress due to recent events related to MST and violence toward people of color.

• Managing Stress Related to Coronavirus
  Lists tips and resources that can help MST survivors cope and improve their wellbeing during the pandemic.

• Brochure for MST Survivors (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 MST survivors who may be feeling distressed by recent public discussions about sexual assault and harassment.

• 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 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

• 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.

Health.mil

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.

Building Hope and Resiliency Online Course