Military sexual trauma (mst) | veterans affairs

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. Former Service Members and Veterans of all sexes and from all types of

backgrounds have experienced MST. Both women and men can experience sexual harassment or sexual assault during their military service. VA refers to these experiences as military sexual

trauma, or MST. One in five female Veterans and 1 in 100 male Veterans have told their VA health care provider that they experienced MST. MST also occurs any time the survivor isn’t able to

give consent, such as while intoxicated or drugged, or when they are pressured into giving consent in exchange for promises of favorable duties or promotion, or threats of harm to their

career. The perpetrator needs to be in the military for it to be considered MST. Like other types of trauma, MST can negatively impact a person's mental and physical health, even many

years later. CONNECT WITH A MST COORDINATOR If you're having difficulties related to MST, we're here to support you in whatever way will help you best. We can help you learn more

about how MST affects people. We can provide treatment that helps you cope with how MST is impacting your life. Or if you'd prefer, we can provide treatment that involves discussing

your experiences in more depth. Jackson VA Health Care System has designated MST coordinators who serve as a contact person for MST-related issues. This person is your advocate and can help

you find and access VA services and programs and community resources.