Military
Sexual Trauma (MST) is a term used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) to refer to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced
during military service. In 2018, 20,500 service members were sexually
assaulted or raped including 13,000 women and 7,500 men. Of women who reported
a penetrative sexual assault, 59% were assaulted by someone with a higher rank
than them, and 24% were assaulted by someone in their chain of command. A vast
majority of these cases go unreported for a number of reasons. Deciding
what to do after a sexual assault can be quite difficult, but there is
help. The
Safe Helpline is the Department of Defense's sole hotline
for members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault. Operated by the
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), they offer a completely anonymous
and confidential, 24/7 hotline.
Additional information and resources can be found below:
Veterans Helping Veterans Worldwide- Military Sexual Trauma (MST): 2024 Ultimate Guide
National Sexual Violence Resource Center- Military Sexual Trauma Resource List
What Resources Can I Recommend to Individuals Who Experienced Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?
NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
Sexual
Assault Awareness & Prevention (SAPR)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
Military
Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Services
Protect our Defenders:
Military Branches:
US Marine Corps - Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention Program (SHARP)
US Air Force - Sexual Harassment/Assault Response & Prevention Program (SHARP)
US Coast Guard - Sexual Assault Prevention, Response, & Recovery (SAPRR) Program
US National Guard - Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Program
US Navy - Sexual Assault Prevention & Response (SAPR) Program
US Army - Sexual Harassment Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP)