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An Online Resource Library on Gender-Based Violence.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

MST is the official phrase for the psychological trauma that may result from sexual assault or repeated, threatening acts of sexual harassment while in the military. In other words, if these experiences occurred while on active duty or active duty for training, they are considered to be MST. MST is the primary causal factor of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for women, whereas combat experience is the strongest predictor of PTSD for men (Street et al. 2008).

This is the definition of MST used by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (U.S. Code 1720D of Title 38):

MST is "psychological trauma, which in the judgment of a VA mental health professional, resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the Veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for training." Sexual harassment is further defined as "repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character."

In more concrete terms, MST includes any sexual activity against the person’s will. Other MST experiences include unwanted sexual touching or grabbing, threatening, offensive remarks about the person’s body or sexual activities, and threatening and unwelcome sexual advances.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a system in place to respond to MST including MST screening and treatment, training staff on MST-related issues and outreach to Veterans about available services. Every VA facility has an MST Coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related issues. (US Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD - Military Sexual Trauma)

Safe_Helpline_DoD_Logo.jpgDoD Safe Helpline: Department of Defense (DoD) Safe Helpline is a groundbreaking crisis support service for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Safe Helpline provides live, one-on-one support, and information to the worldwide DoD community. The service is confidential, anonymous, secure, and available worldwide, 24/7 by click, call, or text — providing victims with the help they need, anytime, anywhere.

What is Military Sexual Trauma?

This article offers information to MST survivors with the intent of providing them with resources to assist them in their recovery. It was also written for partners, friends, or family members of MST survivors.

Department of Defense Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military: Fiscal Year 2010

In this annual report for fiscal year 2015, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense details findings, outcomes, and efforts conducted to address the issue of sexual violence within the military. Each year, SAPRO provides this report to congress to update on the advances in achieving the goals of institutionalizing prevention efforts and appropriate responses.

Military Academies: Rape, Sexual Assault, And Sexual Harassment

This document is an analysis based on the Department of DefenseÍs Annual Report on Sexual Harassment and Violence at the Military Service Academies as well as two surveys commissioned by the Department of Defense that examine gender relations in U.S. military academies.

Sexual assault in military "jaw dropping," lawmaker says

This is a news article and accompanying video in which Rep. Jane Harman, D-California is quoted saying that her "jaw dropped" when military doctors told her that four in ten women at a veterans hospital reported being sexually assaulted while in the military.