What is Military Sexual Trauma?
Military sexual trauma is defined as sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that somebody experiences during their military service. The trauma can come in a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviors in the form of unsolicited sexual contact, coercion, or threats. MST can occur at any point during a service member’s career.
MST can look like:
- Physical assault
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Hostile sexual language
- Rape
- Inappropriate sexual jokes
- Offers for something in exchange for sexual favors
- Lewd remarks
- Sexual encounters when a person is unable to or unwilling to consent
Finding accurate data on the prevalence of MST is difficult because so many service members don’t report abuse. The data we do have suggests that over 15% of military personnel and veterans experienced sexual trauma while serving. The vast majority of these are female (38.4% vs 3.9% males).
Symptoms of Sexual Trauma
Symptoms of military sexual trauma can vary from person to person and change over time. They can last long after a traumatic event occurs. Recognizing symptoms is a crucial part of the process of healing.
Common symptoms of military sexual trauma can include:
- Intrusive memories
- Avoidance behaviors
- Emotional numbness
- Hypervigilance
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Increased irritability
- Physical symptoms
- Substance abuse
- Difficulty trusting
The Harmful Effects of Sexual Trauma
The harmful effects of military sexual trauma and sexual violence are far-reaching and go beyond the immediate aftermath of an incident — it can impact several aspects of a survivor’s life. The long-term impact can profoundly affect mental health, personal relationships, and even future career trajectories.
Mental health challenges
There are multiple mental health challenges associated with MST. Survivors can encounter or develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and severe emotional distress that causes feelings of:
- Guilt
- Shame
- Worthlessness
- Fear
- Self-destructive behavior
- Suicidal thoughts
Impact on relationships
MST has a severe impact on current and future relationships. Sexual trauma can strain relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and military spouses. It can cause misunderstandings, conflict, and, ultimately, isolation.
This type of trauma can make it hard to trust, which is paramount to building healthy relationships. Not being able to form or maintain deep and meaningful connections can also make intimacy difficult. Military sexual assault survivors might start to withdraw emotionally or experience increased sensitivity to — real or perceived — threats in their social circles.
"Studies have shown that military sexual trauma affects romantic relationships, with survivors experiencing lower sexual satisfaction."
— Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
Career implications
The effects of military sexual trauma often do more than just harm interpersonal relationships. It can have a severe impact on an MST survivor’s current military career as well as their future career. While still in the military, survivors might have difficulty performing basic duties due to the psychological burden of the trauma they experienced. They might demonstrate decreased performance on the job, higher rates of absenteeism, or a general unwillingness to perform tasks that trigger memories of the assault or abuse.
There’s also a common — understandable — fear of retaliation or the stigma attached to sexual assault that prevents so many service members from reporting their experience. This typically means they don’t get the help they need and are forced to relive the reality of their experience often, adding to the military stress they already experience.
For some service members, MST results in early discharge from the military, limiting career advancement and making it even more challenging to transition to civilian employment. They may even develop post-deployment syndrome later on, adding to the mental health challenges they experience.
How to Heal from Sexual Trauma in the Military
Healing from sexual trauma is not easy, but with the right tips and support, it’s possible. The journey is deeply personal and requires time, a strong support system, and resources to help you recover.
The most important part of sexual trauma recovery is knowing that no two paths are the same. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Being willing to explore different options until you find what works best for you will be the most effective path toward healing.
Seek therapy
Therapy can be incredibly effective as you begin to heal from MST. Talkspace is a confidential, accessible online platform where you can process and cope with trauma without worrying about any repercussions of speaking about your experiences.
"Cognitive processing therapy is a best practice approach for survivors of military sexual trauma who are coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychoeducational groups are also effective in helping military sexual trauma survivors receive support from a caring community."
— Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
With Talkspace, you’ll gain access to licensed and experienced mental health professionals who are experienced in sexual trauma. They can guide you through evidence-based therapies that are effective in treating PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.
Most major insurance providers, including TRICARE, cover Talkspace, so the cost of online therapy for veterans and active duty service men and women isn’t a concern.
Utilize military and veteran resources
There are multiple resources available to support active duty service members and veterans who’ve experienced sexual assault in the military and want help. Various forms of assistance are out there — like counseling, support services, educational materials, and crisis hotlines — all offered to provide support in addition to individual one-on-one therapy.
Some resources you can tap into are:
- Veterans Crisis Line – Provides free, confidential support for veterans, including those facing mental health challenges related to sexual assault.
- VA MST Coordinators – The Department of Veterans Affairs offers Military Sexual Trauma (MST) coordinators to help veterans access the specialized care and support they need.
- Online Therapy for Veterans – Provides accessible online therapy for veterans and active service members, including those dealing with the impacts of military sexual trauma.
By utilizing these resources, service members and veterans can receive both immediate crisis support and long-term care options.
Access VA benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) makes benefits available to MST survivors. Services can include:
- Specialized counseling services
- Mental healthcare
- Compensation for disabilities
- Financial and medical support
Participate in support groups
Support groups are an effective, powerful way to connect with others who understand what you’ve experienced. They offer a nonjudgmental space to share experiences, learn from others, and build a supportive community.
Create boundaries
Clear boundaries are critical for protecting mental health while healing from sexual trauma. You might set limits on interacting with certain people or avoid situations that trigger memories of your trauma.
Be sure to take the time to communicate your needs and boundaries with family and friends. Boundaries offer survivors a sense of control over their environment, which can be pivotal as you rebuild self-confidence and gain trust in others.
Practice self-care
Self-care is an essential part of the healing process. Take time to do things that promote relaxation and well-being, like:
- Meditation
- Journaling
- Reaching out to friends and family
- Engaging in hobbies
- Getting enough rest
- Taking care of yourself nutritionally
- Seeking medical care
- Being mindful of your emotional and physical needs
Start a Path to Recovery with Support
Recovering from military sexual trauma is a complex, time-consuming, and challenging journey, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Support is available; you can start to heal by seeking therapy, accessing veteran resources, finding support groups, and practicing self-care.
Talkspace is a convenient, affordable way to connect online with licensed therapists who are experienced and skilled in the challenges military personnel and veterans face when dealing with sexual trauma. Online therapy is flexible, so you can work on your terms, when, where, and how you feel comfortable.
Get the support you need to heal from sexual trauma with online therapy covered by TRICARE.
