Since this is a month that is for remembering women in history, I think this subject of MST (Military Sexual Trauma) should be mentioned as well. Next month is Sexual Assault Awareness Month so this will give you time to learn a little about this epidemic within our military and veteran communities and how you can help.
Over half of women who have been involved in the recent wars have PTSD, a majority of this being from sexual trauma. This is something that both female and male veterans have been struggling with for years in the military. But even more shocking than that is the amount of MST estimated by the Department of Defense. One of five women veterans have experienced an MST (keep in mind that is ALL veterans). One of every 100 males have experienced an MST. These numbers being brought to light are a good and bad at the same time on so many levels. First, let's define what is MST...
MST is either a sexual assault or sexual harassment which includes the following:
- sexual activity where someone is involved against his or her will
- threatened into sexual activity
- unable to consent to sexual activity (intoxication, unconscious, etc.)
- physically forced into sexual activity
- unwanted touching
- groping
- threatening
- remarks about one's body or sexual activities
- unwelcome sexual advances
Veterans Affairs have zoned in to helping females with PTSD related to sexual trauma. There are no programs for females with combat related trauma. In my case, I have been involved in a PTSD group specifically for combat related trauma for almost three years....among a group of anywhere from 5 to 25 men. I have only met one other female in this group but she ultimately committed suicide a year ago. I can relate on many levels with the men in the group with them all being from the current wars and a few of them who were previously in a military hospital. I have experienced counselors in the past that assumed I was seeing them for a sexual trauma since I was a female. I was referred to group counseling when I first was seen for mental health through the VA and found out soon after it started that I was in the wrong group. It's only been within the last year along with documentation of my civilian counselor for the two years prior that has landed me with a wonderful counselor in the VA who does not look at me differently for being a female or assuming it must be sexual trauma. This is the downside of the increase of sexual trauma in females.....it prevents other forms of PTSD from being treated properly due to the stigma of the numbers. I'm sure the men go through this as well. Showing up at the VA for help and assuming it is combat related PTSD and not sexual trauma. It goes either way.
So from now on reading this post, keep in mind that the victim may be a female or a male. Victim is a legal term but by no means does it mean weakness.
Numbers:
- From July 2012 to July 2013, there were 3,553 reports of sexual assault. That means a soldier was 15 times more likely to be raped than killed in the line of duty.
- In an anonymous survey, there were 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact in 2012 alone....13,900 being men.
- 75% of women do not report the attack and 76% of men do not report their victimization as well.
- 85% of sexual crimes go unreported.
- 40% of crimes have a perpetrator that is a higher ranking member of the military.
- During 2012, 302 perpetrators faced criminal charges or dismissal from the military....that's less than 2.5% of all suspected sexual crimes.
- Males that have been diagnosed with PTSD due to sexual trauma are more likely to be denied than females for disability compensation through Veteran Affairs.
Looking at these numbers, it is obvious that this is a serious problem within the military and recovering as a veteran. With the recent laws in place, there have been some major strides to prevent victims from feeling as if they are powerless in these situations. Now, before we get into that, I want to go over how complex the system was before....
There have been stories of retaliation and hiding what happened to the victims over decades within the military. Some of the case studies I have read in regards to MST is brutal to say the least. Why has this been happening for years? The cultural mind frame within the military. My views originally were the "old" army. Males complaining of assault were just weak and the females were no better. I know that is brutally honest and mean, but there is a point.... this is how many assaults were viewed in the military. I may be a psychology major, but I am not an expert in regards to sexual assaults. My focus is on combat related trauma and disasters. But, with my government job, I have had to handle cases like this. Thus, I have a better understanding on sexual assault in both the victim and perpetrator's view. Now I that I have participated in those types of investigations, I wish I could slap my old self across the head for thinking so "old school" army at the time. The new way of looking at this problem and sorting through all the facts is the new rules that have been implemented and currently being trained on individuals in the military.
Let's face it, everyone gets tired of hearing the sexual assault awareness every time you turn around in the military....leaving for deployment, post deployment, Veteran Affairs healthcare orientation, etc. etc. Not to mention all the classes on the civilian sector when a military member transitions into civilians. But, it is a necessity with the growing number of cases within the military. What is being done now for MST? Well, it's better late than never....
A new program, SHARP (Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention), has been implemented under different names (SHARP, SAPR, etc.) in all branches. All these programs focus on the importance of preventing sexual harassment and assaults. This is the best way to prevent MST. There are many routes a soldier can take when reporting the incident and SHARP has made it possible for the victim to feel as comfortable as possible with no retaliation.
With this new program, stricter prosecution has been issued. Court martials, dishonorable discharges, pay cut, drop in rank, and prison time are just a few different punishments that may be enforced. Retaliation is subject to Article 15 and discharge of service. Basically SHARP doesn't play around when it comes to this stuff. The other positive in this situation is that the perpetrator must register as a sex offender on post and in the state of residence. This will help prevent any future instances even outside of the military.
The victim is required to be protected during this whole situation. In certain situation, the victim may be moved to a different unit or a different post to ensure the safety of the individual. Psychologically, this may benefit the victim to live without fear and begin the healing process through a trauma counselor. Even if the victim cannot move due to family or does not want to, there are many different avenues taken to maintain safety. The unit commander will usually work with the MPs, the victim, and the victim's advocate to enforce a plan of action in regards to the safety of the victim. This also may involve civilian law enforcement depending on if the victim lives on or off post.
As I mentioned before, the avenues available for victims of sexual assault are endless now with the SHARP program. The VA also has extensive services for those who have suffered from MST.
The VA Military Sexual Trauma Program options are endless....
- Multiple outpatient programs such as counseling, cognitive therapy, group therapy, and prolong exposure therapy.
- In-patient therapy lasting anywhere from 30 days to 7 weeks depending on the location.
- The Vet Centers are available to make appointments or even walk ins.
- In April, all VA centers host awareness and additional resources in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Remember that the month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Check with your local VA or military installation or community on what programs will be available near you. If you or someone you know has experienced MST, that this coming month to contact the VA for further assistance in healing. The VA link to the Military Sexual Trauma Program a few lines above also list stories of male and female veterans who have experienced MST and on the road to recovery. I hope this has either enlightened or motivated. If you are afraid of speaking out, know that you are being supported. If you have experienced MST and afraid of getting treatment, don't be. Thousand of women and men have come before you ready to heal. With these awareness programs available and stricter military prosecution, hopefully this will help prevent many future occurrences among the ranks.
Wear a teal ribbon during the month of April to show your support to stop MST.
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