Breaking the Silence
VA Infographic, Men & MST & VA MST Brochure for Men
Some of the driving forces behind the MST map is protecting anonymity while telling a collective story. It also exists to spread the message that “you are not alone.”
The VA has a national screening program which requires that every Veteran seen for individual health care is asked whether he or she has experienced MST.
“National data from this program reveal that…. 1 in 50 men respond “yes,” that they experienced MST, when screened by their VA provider.”
Link: Military Sexual Trauma Fact Sheet
From the VA MST Brochure for men on the VA MST Resources page:
What Makes MST So Difficult for Many Men? There are many reasons. Other male Veterans have said things like:
- “I can’t believe this happened to me.”
- “I felt like less of a man after, sometimes
like not even a man at all.” - “I tried so long to just move on. It’s probably too late now.”
- “I should have been able to stop it. It was my fault.”
For many men, other issues are also critical: - Men may have had uncontrollable biological reactions like an
erection or ejaculation during MST. This does not mean that they
wanted or enjoyed it. It also does not mean anything about their
sexual orientation. - Men’s background and identity, like their age, race, sexual
orientation, religion, and prior abuse or trauma, can also affect
their reactions.
The harmful effects of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) are complicated and can lead to both mental and physical health problems. Additionally, it can make it really hard for someone to manage everyday life activities and responsibilities.
Please know that what happened matters and keep learning about MST. Even if you have no intention of filing a VA claim, it is important to be knowledgeable. Do every single thing you can for the best quality of life that MST is so sneaky about stealing away from us. Knowledge is power.
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