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Feature Topic
Military Sexual Trauma
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Military sexual trauma (MST) is sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during a Veteran's military service. It is an experience, not a diagnosis, yet is more likely to lead to PTSD than many other types of trauma.
About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men seen for VA health care report a history of MST when screened by a VA provider. Although the percentage among women is much higher, given the far greater number of men in military service, there are significant numbers of both men and women who have experienced MST. In fact, over 40% of the Veterans seen in VA who disclose MST are men.
Resources
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Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network* (RAINN) carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
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DoD Safe Helpline provides confidential one-on-one assistance for individuals who have experienced military sexual trauma, rape, or domestic violence. Call or text 1-877-995-5247 to talk with someone 24/7.
Resources for Veterans and Their Families
- Free VA Services for Veterans who have experienced MST (regardless of whether they have a VA disability rating).
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Meet Veterans who talk about their experiences with getting PTSD treatment after experiencing sexual trauma.
- Every VA health care facility has a MST Coordinator who can answer any questions Veterans might have about VA's MST-related issues and help Veterans access VA services and programs.
- Find VA PTSD Treatment programs with our PTSD Program Locator.
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For Providers
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Are you asking your patients about sexual trauma? Did you know that sexual assault survivors report higher rates of physical issues? Sexual trauma can lead to PTSD and other problems for which you can provide help or referral. Here are some resources to assist you:
Resources for VA Providers
The MST Consultation Program offers free one-on-one consultation to all VA staff (not just therapists). Expert consultants are available to answer any questions related to MST or working with MST survivors. For questions, problem-solving, or support, email the program at MSTconsult@va.gov or call 866-948-7880. More information and resources are available on the VA MST SharePoint site.
PTSD Lecture Series
Free continuing education credits for our monthly lecture series:
4/20 at 2 pm ET - David Riggs, PhD on PTSD and Reintegration Stress
- Non-VA Providers: Register at TRAIN.
- VA Providers: Register at TMS.
Mark your calendar for the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2 pm ET.
Subscribe to receive monthly emails that include a registration link and instructions for joining the live lectures.
Consult with PTSD Experts
The PTSD Consultation Program offers free PTSD consultation to any provider who treats Veterans in any setting. This program is now open to Community Providers.
Have a question about PTSD? Contact us:
Call 866-948-7880 or
Email PTSDconsult@va.gov
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Research at the Center
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Researchers study the VA MST Screening Program
Researchers are studying Veteran satisfaction and preferences regarding a universal screening program for MST that has been implemented at all VA Medical Centers. Recognizing that many survivors of sexual trauma do not disclose their experiences unless asked directly, VA health care providers ask every Veteran whether he or she experienced MST. This multi-year study will help VA better understand Veterans' experiences with the MST screening process.
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PTSD in the News
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At Excel, going back to work after shooting difficult but can bring resolution. A story on the mental health effects on employees of a mass shooting at their workplace published March 27, 2016 in The Wichita Eagle, quoted Dr. Paula Schnurr, Executive Director of the National Center for PTSD. Read more.*
New study reports on suicidal thinking among US veterans. An article posted April 5, 2016 on the ScienceDaily website discussed a study led by Dr. Noelle Smith of the National Center for PTSD's Clinical Neurosciences Division, showing that nearly 14 percent of Veterans reported suicidal thinking at one or both phases of a two-year VA study. Dr. Steven Southwick, Dr. Robert Pietrzak and Dr. Ilan Harpaz-Rotem of the Clinical Neurosciences Division (Dr. Harpaz-Rotem also serves with the Center's Evaluation Division), were among the study's co-authors. Read more*
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June is PTSD Awareness Month. Visit our website to find out how you can raise PTSD awareness and prepare your own PTSD Awareness event.
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Be sure to forward this update to others so they can subscribe. We send one update per month to keep you informed of the latest PTSD developments.
Thank you,
The Staff of VA’s National Center for PTSD
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