Military sexual trauma (MST)

Military sexual trauma (MST) • The term that refers to sexual

assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred while a Veteran was in the military.

• It includes any sexual activity where someone is involved against his or her will – he or she may have been pressured into sexual activities

MST examples• Threats of negative consequences for refusing to be

sexually cooperative or with implied faster promotions or better treatment in exchange for sex

• May have been unable to consent to sexual activities (for example, when intoxicated)

• May have been physically forced into sexual activities 

• Other experiences that fall into the category of MST• Unwanted sexual touching or grabbing• Threatening, offensive remarks about a person’s

body or sexual activities• Threatening or unwelcome sexual advances.

Both women and men can experience MST during their service. VA has free services to help Veterans recover from trauma. To learn more about military sexual trauma and treatment for it please go to

http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp

Hi, I'm Deanna Wharwood and I'm known as the Veterans' Coach. I help active duty, veterans and their families transition from military life to their dream life through a proven process of transition assistance coaching and small business start up. I'm not a mental health professional. However, I believed that it was important to get this information to our community.

If you feel I can be of service to you, helping you and your family transition from military life, find jobs you love or start your own business, contact me on DeannaWharwood.com.

More importantly, please share this information with those who may need it. And..."Welcome Home!"• Best,

Deanna