MST is a term used by the Veterans Administration to describe any unwanted sexual conduct. This could be rape, intimidation, touching, in short, any sexual activity that you did not consent to. MST occurs with all genders, orientations, ages, and with and by civilians (VA.gov | Veterans Affairs, n.d.).

The consequences of MST are many. According to the VA, the impact of MST is broad (VA.gov | Veterans Affairs, n.d.):

• Disturbing memories or nightmares
• Difficulty feeling safe
• Feelings of depression or numbness
• Using alcohol or other drugs to numb or escape from negative feelings
• Feeling isolated from other people

• Difficulties with anger, irritability, or other strong emotions
• Self-doubt, self-blame, or decreased self-esteem
• Issues with sleep
• Physical health problems

Make the connection goes further and includes (Veterans Administration, n.d.):

• Questioning your gender identity or even your sexual orientation.
• Poor relationships, poor trust, feeling, and being alone.
• Difficulty with employers or authority figures. Difficulty keeping a job.
• Difficulties concerning arousal, enjoyment, performance, or avoiding intimacy.
• Self-harm or unsafe behaviors or aggression.

While the most current statistics are hard to find 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men reported experiences of MST. Male-on-male MST has always been part of the military and has always been vastly underreported. It is also assumed that female MST is underreported (NVLSP, 2021).

A DOD says that 0.7% of men and 6.2% of women reported MST. Most all women reported the offender was male. Just over half of the men reported the offender was male (NVLSP, 2021).

According to the VA treatments for MST can include (VA.gov | Veterans Affairs, n.d.):

Prolonged Exposure (PE) with this gradual approach veterans may see PTSD symptoms begin to decrease.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) This helps veterans to develop more healthy and balanced beliefs about themselves others, and the world.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) This treatment can help Veterans develop balanced and helpful thoughts about themselves, others, and the future. CBT helps you modify your thought patterns to change negative moods and behaviors.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a therapy that focuses on identifying and evaluating relationship issues. It can also help you build social skills to deal with relationships and improve your overall quality of life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) help Veterans overcome emotional pain. This may increase your ability to recognize and achieve what truly matters most to you in life.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) helps Veterans with substance use disorders.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) helps Veterans address stress and strong emotions, learn mindfulness and develop new interpersonal skills.

The VA recommends the following coping strategies (VA.gov | Veterans Affairs, n.d.).

• Remind yourself it is okay to feel upset.
• Do what works for you.
• Pace yourself.
• Connect with your communities.
• Limit exposure to media.
• Inspire yourself.
• Be kind to yourself.
• Try breathing, relaxation, and meditation activities.
• Maintain healthy habits as much as you can.
• Get rest.
• Increase mindful movement.
• Get support.
• Remind yourself healing is a journey.

Many veterans, male and female never report the result or tell anyone. I can tell you the story of a man who was attacked by another male while in the military. While the assault was an attempted sexual assault it was not successful.

He did tell the Chaplin and he received an honorable discharge within a week in 1990. This was just a way for the military in the 80s to cover up the fact that male-on-male assaults occur. He was also given a 0% disability rating and $10,000 compensation.

Until 2000 he suffered from alcoholism and extreme aggression. He engaged in high-risk behaviors such as drunk driving and unprotected sexual encounters. After several legal troubles, he finally seemed to get his act together.

Then in 2003 he started having panic attacks and was going to the hospital thinking he was having heart attacks. In 2006 a therapist with the VA finally screened him for MST. Now through proper therapy and medication, he leads a mostly normal life.

Seek help people. He has lamented his delay in telling anyone for fear of being weak or being perceived as weak. He bemoans his wasted time he’ll never get back. Something like this is never your fault, there is no shame, there is no judgment, speak up, and speak out. A better life awaits you.

References

NVLSP. (2021). Service connection claims based on military sexual trauma. www.tn.gov. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.tn.gov

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp

Veterans Administration. (n.d.). Effects of military sexual trauma. Make the Connection. Retrieved October 2, 2022, from https://www.maketheconnection.net