What is Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?

Military sexual trauma, often shortened to MST, refers to any and all sexual assault and sexual harassment that is experienced during one's time in the military. According to research from the VA, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men responded "yes" when asked if they have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Largely affecting women in the military, MST often goes unreported, along with other women-specific service-connected conditions.

It's important to understand what constitutes military sexual trauma, how to deal with the VA in the face of an MST experience, and resources available to heal and move forward.

Here's what veterans should know about military sexual trauma:

What are examples of military sexual trauma?

As we mentioned, military sexual trauma includes both sexual abuse and sexual harassment – basically any sexual attention, contact, or activities that are unwanted and not consented to. The following are some examples of MST:

• Being touched in a sexual way that makes you uncomfortable

• Sexual comments or vocal sexual advances 

• Being pressured into uncomfortable sexual situations

• Threats in order to have sexual relations

• Any sexual contact without your consent 

These instances are considered military sexual assault whether you're on base, off base, on duty, or off duty. As long as the perpetrator is also a part of the military, it counts as MST.

Other conditions that can be caused by military sexual trauma

Although MST is an experience and not a condition on its own, it can cause actual conditions both mentally and physically. The following can be caused by MST, and therefore can be classed as service-connected conditions:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and depression

• OBGYN issues

• Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Chronic pain

• Gastrointestinal issues

How can veterans get help regarding military sexual trauma?

In addition to getting care from a trusted physician or mental healthcare provider, veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma can review the VA's page dedicated to mental health and MST for more information on available resources.

Every VA Healthcare facility has a dedicated MST Coordinator who can assist veterans with accessing care for MST-related issues. Learn more and find a coordinator near you here.

Get strong medical documentation to prove your condition to the VA 

We're here to support you with compelling medical documentation that makes a difference in your claim for the VA. Proper documentation such as Nexus Letters, DBQs, chart reviews, and more can help you prove your service-connected condition. Sign up for a chart review, and view other services here. Work with one of our professional medical experts to get just what you need.