The term “military sexual trauma (MST)” was introduced in 1999 by the US Veterans Health Administration as part of a universal screening program for individuals to describe experiences of sexual harassment or assault they experienced during service.
About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men have experienced MST during their time in service. Military sexual trauma greatly increases the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, and other mental health challenges after leaving or being released from service[1].
It also increases the risk of chronic health problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections (UTIs), and reproductive issues. Treatment must be tailored to the unique experience of military sexual trauma with an understanding of veteran healthcare for real healing to occur.
What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?
Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term used by the Department of Veterans Affairs to describe experiences of sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. It includes any sexual activity that you are involved in against your will.
It also includes activity you are coerced into (e.g., promised better treatment in exchange for sexual favors). It is an ongoing problem affecting thousands of veterans, both male and female.
How Common Is It? Military Sexual Trauma Statistics
MST is higher than some may think, and an ongoing problem. In 2018, 20,500 service members were sexually assaulted, including 13,000 women and 7,500 men. These numbers have increased by nearly 40% since 2016. Female veterans are at a particularly higher risk [2].
And numbers are thought to be higher due to underreporting, with estimates of around 76% of victims not reporting their experience of MST due to fear of being silenced through negative treatment or being discharged [2].
Warning Signs of MST
Military sexual trauma can manifest as physical, psychological, and behavioral symptoms. Some of these may appear immediately after the trauma, while some can take months or even years to show.
Physical Symptoms
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Sexual dysfunction or pain during sex
- Changes in arousal; reproductive health problems
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections
- Chronic pain, headaches, heavy menstrual cramps, and digestive issues
Psychological/Behavioral Symptoms:
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind them of the trauma
- Depression, anxiety, feelings of shame, embarrassment, or numbness
- Difficulty feeling safe in one’s own body, memories related to the trauma, and decreased self-esteem
- Isolation from family, friends, or social activities
- Relationship problems, including distrust or abusive interactions
- Substance abuse
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Examples of Military Sexual Trauma
Military sexual trauma can come from various forms of sexual harassment, including [2]:
- Being pressured or coerced into sexual activity (such as with threats, or promises of better treatment or “moving up in ranks” in exchange for sex)
- Sexual contact without your consent, including if you were asleep or intoxicated
- Being physically forced or overpowered to have sex
- Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that violated your boundaries
- Threatening comments about your body or sexual activities
How Does Sexual Trauma Differ in The Military and Civilian Life?
Although sexual trauma shares many of the same long-term effects and can lead to trauma in any context, it often differs in the military compared with civilian life, particularly in its consequences and how it is approached. Some key differences between sexual trauma in the military and civilian life include:
- Environment: MST often occurs where the victim both works and lives, increasing regular contact with the perpetrator. In civilian life, victims are less likely to have contact with their perpetrator.
- Power Dynamics: 64% of women who reported MST faced retaliation, and a third of them were discharged within less than a year after reporting the incident. This retaliation often comes from someone in the victim’s chain of command. 59% of women reported being sexually assaulted by someone who outranked them [3].
- Disbelief and Victim Shaming: Studies show that female sexual assault survivors often experience negative responses such as shame, blame, denial, or being ignored. This is true for female civilians as well, but is increased in the military where the culture has long been male-dominated [4].
Treatment Options for Military Sexual Trauma
The Department of Veterans Affairs has taken strides to support MST survivors by ensuring they have access to the recovery services they need. Every VA healthcare system has a designated MST coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related reports.
All treatment for physical and mental health conditions related to MST experiences is fully covered by the VA and free of charge. These services are available at every VA medical center, and MST counseling is also available at community-based veteran treatment centers.
Effective treatment options for healing from military sexual trauma often include:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Trauma-focused therapy that helps survivors process traumatic experiences and reframe them to reduce PTSD symptoms. It has some of the strongest evidence for treating MST-related PTSD.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): Trauma-focused therapy that gradually exposes the victim to memories of trauma and triggers to reduce fears.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses bilateral stimulation with guided eye movements and auditory tapping, EMDR therapy for sexual trauma helps process memories stored deep in the brain and integrate them into the rest of the memory network to reduce associated distress.
- Dance and Movement Therapy: Studies have found dance and somatic therapy for sexual trauma can be particularly helpful for releasing trauma stored in the body to reduce symptoms such as dissociation, chronic pain, and digestive issues [5].
- Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Helps survivors regain a sense of control over their bodies and reduce somatic stress. Often combined with traditional trauma therapies for the most effective recovery.
Evidence-Based Treatment and Compassionate Support for Military Sexual Trauma
Miramar Health is a veteran-owned and operated recovery program providing trauma-informed care for veterans. Our mission is to free veterans from America’s mental health and addiction crisis and to empower them to create a better future for themselves and their families.
We understand the sensitive nature of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and provide a blend of treatment services with functional supports to help survivors heal. Contact our admissions team today if you know a veteran who needs support.
Sources
[1] US Department of Veterans Affairs. Military Sexual Trauma.
[2] Hill & Ponton. 2023. Facts on Military Sexual Trauma and Statistics. Hill & Ponton Veteran Disability Associates.
[3] Savage, R. 2024. Military Sexual Trauma: The Military’s Silent Battlefield. Columbia Social Work Review.
[4] Ahrens, E. et al. (2006). Being silenced: the impact of negative social reactions on the disclosure of rape. American Journal of Community Psychology, 38(3-4), 263–274.
[5] Zilberman, M. 2019. Use of Dance Movement Therapy to Uncover Dissociation in Sexual Abuse Survivors. Rutgers University.