Veterans
Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term the Department of Veterans Affairs uses to refer to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment. It includes any sexual activity where someone is involved against their will and/or where have been pressured into sexual activities (for example, with threats of negative consequences for refusing to be sexually cooperative or with implied faster promotions or better treatment in exchange for sex), may have been unable to consent to sexual activities (for example, when intoxicated), or may have been physically forced into sexual activities.
National data from the VA screening program revealed that about 1 in 4 women and 1 in 100 men responded that they have experienced MST. Some research suggests that women veterans and active-duty military personnel are more likely than non-veterans to experience domestic violence.
Challenges to Reporting and Seeking Support
- Feeling isolated and alone
- Fear of retaliation
- Lack of trust in systems that are supposed to provide help
- Feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment
- Denial or minimization of the assault