Psychological Symptoms
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression or persistent sadness
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Nightmares or flashbacks
- Guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Emotional numbness or detachment
Military Sexual Trauma
WHAT IS MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA (MST)?
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST can happen to anyone — regardless of rank, branch, or gender — and often goes unreported due to fear, stigma, or retaliation. Many survivors carry these invisible wounds long after their service has ended.
UNDERSTANDING MST
MST includes:
Rape, unwanted sexual touching, threatening or offensive remarks, and pressure for sexual favors.
These experiences may occur on or off duty, in combat or non-combat zones, and often involve abuse of power by fellow service members or superiors.
Common effects
SYMPTOMS OF MST
Behavioral Symptoms
- Substance use or misuse
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Difficulty trusting others or forming relationships
- Risky or self-destructive behaviors
- Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
Physical Symptoms
- Chronic pain, including headaches or stomach issues
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Fatigue or low energy
- Eating disorders or changes in appetite
Cognitive Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Negative thoughts about self or the world
- Suicidal ideation or hopelessness
What the data show
MST BY THE NUMBERS
1 in 3
Women Veterans screened in VA
About 1 in 3 women seen in VA health care report having experienced MST when screened.
1 in 50
Men Veterans screened in VA
About 1 in 50 men seen in VA health care report having experienced MST when screened.
41%
Women in a recent-Veteran study
In VA’s New Generation study, about 41% of women screened positive for MST.
4%
Men in a recent-Veteran study
In that same study, about 4% of men screened positive for MST.
Common comorbidities
MST CAN AFFECT FAR MORE THAN ONE PART OF LIFE
MST is an experience, not a diagnosis. Veterans who report MST may also experience overlapping mental health, substance-use, sleep, pain, relationship, and safety concerns. These effects can occur together and may reinforce one another.
PTSD & trauma symptoms
Intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbing, guilt, shame, and difficulty feeling safe.
Depression & anxiety
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, panic, chronic worry, irritability, low motivation, and social withdrawal.
Substance use
Alcohol or drug use may become a way of coping with sleep disturbance, anxiety, intrusive memories, emotional pain, or isolation.
Physical & functional effects
Sleep problems, chronic pain, fatigue, concentration difficulties, strained relationships, and disruption in work or daily functioning.
Support and treatment
TREATMENT OF MST
Healing from MST requires more than clinical care. It requires safety, trust, and a community that believes you. Support should be individualized, trauma-informed, and built around the survivor’s needs and readiness.
1. Stabilization and Safety
- Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- Support in a calm, safe environment
2. Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Evidence-based, individualized therapy plans
- Clinicians trained in military trauma and sexual assault
3. Empowerment and Reintegration
- Skills-based recovery, peer support, and self-advocacy
- Reconnection to identity, family, and community
4. Ongoing Support and Aftercare
- Transition planning and outpatient support
- Long-term recovery coaching and virtual support groups where available
Recovery support should adapt to the survivor’s needs, readiness, and goals over time.
Understanding Veteran care pathways
READ THE VA ACCESS GUIDES
Emergent care information
In an immediate crisis, seek emergency care first.
Call 911, go to the nearest emergency department, or call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. For non-immediate questions about CCC residential admissions, contact our admissions team.