VA supports MST survivors in finding their path to healing
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month — an important time to reach out to Veterans and other former service members and share that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides free services for military sexual trauma survivors whenever they are ready, at any time of year.
Military sexual trauma, or MST, is the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service. People of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds and branches of service have experienced MST. For some MST survivors, the experience affects their physical and mental health, work, relationships and everyday life, even many years later.
Healing after MST can take time, and VA understands that every survivor heals at their own pace and in their own way. That’s why VA offers free MST-related services that are tailored to each individual. VA stands ready to help survivors on their path to healing, no matter how long it’s been since they experienced MST or how it’s affecting them now. There are more VA resources available for survivors of MST than ever before: Every VA health care facility, like Tomah VA, has an MST Coordinator — a professional who can assist MST survivors in accessing care.
Local VA medical centers, like Tomah VA Medical Center, offer free counseling and treatment to Veterans and former service members for any mental or physical health condition related to their experience of MST. VA offers flexible treatment options tailored to meet MST survivors’ needs and preferences.
Community-based Vet Centers provide free MSTrelated outpatient counseling and referral services in a nonmedical setting.
Beyond MST is a free, secure, self-help mobile app created specifically to support MST survivors’ health and well-being. va.gov/MST provides educational and coping resources about MST for survivors, family members, friends and health care providers.
Want to help spread awareness? Visit the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month page of the MST website for sharable video, social media posts and e-billboards.
Eligibility for MST-related care at VA is expansive, and no documentation of the MST experience is required to receive this care. Survivors do not need to have reported the MST experience at the time it occurred or to have sought care within a certain time frame. VA believes MST survivors and is ready to help them heal.
