Description

Perfect for presentations to service members, this pamphlet provides crucial information on Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Military Sexual Trauma affects thousands of service members every year. It’s a serious and pervasive problem with both male and female victims and perpetrators. This brochure provides a comprehensive overview of MST so that service members are able to recognize it and help prevent it.

Military Sexual Trauma refers to sexual assault or harassment that occurs while a service member is in the military. It may occur stateside or while deployed. Victims of MST will face unique challenges because they are in the military. They may have difficulty moving on because they may have to continue to live or work with the perpetrator and in some cases, rely on him or her for basic needs. Victims may worry that by reporting the incident it will affect how their fellow service members see them or that it may impact their mission. Victims may also have fears of retaliation or that their careers will be negatively impacted.

Those who experience MST have higher rates of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Wherein they experience flashbacks or vivid nightmares of the event along with other serious symptoms. They may also develop depression, substance abuse issues, sleeping or eating disorders, or other physical ailments. These issues can affect a victim’s military and post discharge career, leading to long term economic consequences.

Stay Alert. Be Vigilant. Protect Your Fellow Warriors.

Service members can take preventative steps to reduce the risk of sexual assault, which include:

• Staying aware of their surroundings and avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas
• Traveling in groups
• Staying sober or drinking in moderation
• Leaving a situation if it feels unsafe

While deployed, service members should:

• Familiarize themselves with the new facilities
• Report unauthorized people and suspicious activities
• Be aware that other cultures may treat women differently
• Be assertive but polite and clear if they are uncomfortable with how they’re being treated

The handout provides readers with steps to take after an assault. Like getting away from the perpetrator, calling 9-1-1 and saving evidence of the attack. Also, to contact a Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) or Victim Advocate (VA) to get support and information about reporting the assault.

Victims of MST will have to decide whether they want to proceed with an Unrestricted or Restricted Report of the incident. Unrestricted Reporting includes reporting the assault to the proper authorities, which then triggers an official investigation. Restricted Reporting enables victims to confidentially report the assault and decide at a later time to begin the official investigation process.

Recovering from sexual assault is a challenging and lengthy process. Getting support from mental health professionals, family, and friends as well as proper self-care are instrumental in recovery.

Readers are urged to follow the ABCs of Active Bystander Intervention:

• Assessing the situation for safety and calling the authorities if it’s dangerous to intervene.
• Being with others. Interventions are more successful if it’s started by a group of people.
• Caring for the victim, which may include helping them get medical attention or other assistance.

When service members work together, they can make Military Sexual Trauma a thing of the past.

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If you like this military sexual trauma pamphlet, then check out more of our Sexual Assault and Dating Violence Awareness materials here.