Military Sexual Trauma Support for Women Veterans

This guide explains what military sexual trauma (MST) is, who can get help, and how to find free VA services.

It is written for women who served and want to understand their options for care and support.

What is military sexual trauma (MST)?

Military sexual trauma, or MST, is the term the Department of Veterans Affairs uses for sexual assault or sexual harassment that happened while you were in the military.

It covers any sexual activity during your service that you were involved in against your will or when you could not say no.

This includes being pressured into sexual acts, being unable to consent because you were intoxicated or asleep, or being physically forced.

It does not matter who the perpetrator was, whether you were on or off duty, or whether it happened on or off base.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common mental health diagnoses among MST survivors, along with depression, other mood disorders, and substance use disorders.

Eligibility

Any Veteran or service member who experienced MST can receive counseling, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, no matter what era you served in.

Most former service members can also get MST-related services, even if you have a discharge that is Other Than Honorable or uncharacterized, or if you served fewer than two years.

You do not need to have reported the MST when it happened, and you do not need any documentation of it to receive care.

A VA disability rating is not required, and you do not need to have a service-connected condition to get MST-related care.

All MST-related care is free and confidential, no matter how long ago the experience occurred.

What to expect

Treatment for any physical or mental health condition connected to your MST is provided at no charge.

You can ask to meet with a clinician of a particular sex if that helps you feel more comfortable.

The Beyond MST mobile app is a free, secure, and private self-help tool created specifically to support the health and well-being of MST survivors.

You can obtain MST-related medical and mental health care at your nearest VA Medical Center by reaching out to the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator or your current VA healthcare provider.

At each VA health care facility, an MST Coordinator is available to act as your point of contact for issues related to MST and assist you in obtaining care.

You can also reach out through your existing VA health care provider.

MST counseling, assessment, and referral are available at all Vet Center locations.

Disability compensation

If you have a mental or physical health condition related to MST, you can file a claim for disability compensation.

A claim can be filed online, by mail, in person, or with the help of a trained professional.

For help with disability compensation related to MST, contact the Veterans Benefits Administration, or VBA, MST Outreach Coordinator at your local VBA Regional Office.

Where to get help

• Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1.
• Veterans Crisis Line text: send a message to 838255.
• Veterans Crisis Line chat: a live online chat option is available.
• Vet Center Call Center: 877-927-8387.
• VBA MST Outreach Coordinator: contact your local VBA Regional Office for help with disability compensation related to MST.

For the final word on your own situation, reach out to the VA office that handles the benefit or service you need, and talk with a qualified professional such as an accredited representative or a health care provider.