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This booklet was written specifically for women and men veterans who were victims of any type of sexual trauma while on active duty.  This is also a good resource for family members, friends and helping professionals to learn more about military sexual trauma and how to support veterans through their healing and recovery.  In addition, the booklet provides an overview of the new Department of Defense policies on sexual assault prevention and response (DoD SAPR) as well as other valuable information on victims’ concerns, reporting barriers, medical issues, family impact, the recovery process and veterans’ resources.

This booklet is meant to provide a solid foundation of information to fill some of the gaps for veterans at a time when information is needed, but hard to find or difficult to remember.  This booklet can serve as a quick-reference guide to come back to weeks or months later in the process as a helpful resource.  It is not intended to be a substitute for medical, legal or psychological advice, but to offer general information about military sexual trauma and some of the resources available to veterans.  

This is a one-of-a-kind resource available for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma--and a "must-have" for anyone who provides treatment or counseling to military veterans.

If you have comments, recommendations for change or suggestions for improvement, please contact TS Nelson directly.  We appreciate your assistance in making this booklet a valuable and useful resource for veterans and for military and civilian professionals who work with veterans.  Thank you!  

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Table of contents

Part One:  Information about military sexual trauma,                    reporting options, medical concerns, and recovery

Some important things you should know               

           What is military sexual trauma?           

            DoD definitions of sexual assault and sexual harassment     

            Sex offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice    

            Examples of sexual assault    

If it happened recently         

            Some common reactions and changes in yourself     

            Deciding what to do and who to tell 

            Your options after a sexual assault    

            Military reporting options on active duty      

                  New restricted (confidential) reporting   

                  Unrestricted reporting      

            Medical questions and concerns        

                 Pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections    

                 Alcohol/drugs in sexual assault and "Date-rape drugs"          

Additional concerns for active duty victims           

            Reporting barriers and concerns        

            Confidentiality           

            Collateral misconduct            

            Protective orders        

            Forward deployed environments                   

            Victims’ rights—your rights  

If it has been awhile since the sexual assault          

            Some possible reactions and changes in yourself      

            Psychological and emotional concerns          

            Other mental health effects:  PTSD, Anxiety, Depression    

            Physical and medical conditions                    

Relationship and sexual concerns      

            Safety and trust concerns      

            Unique issues facing military sexual trauma victims 

The impact on relationships with family and friends       

            Helping family and friends to understand better

Other important information you should know    

            Indicators of an unhealthy relationship         

            Warning signs to tell someone           

            A final message on coping     

Part Two:  Where to go for help, more information and support

         VA’s Response to MST       

          VA Resources and Programs 

         Additional Veterans’ Resources        

Service-Connected Disability Considerations        

            What is considered VA disability compensation?     

            Who is eligible?          

            How does the VA define sexual trauma?      

            Can I receive compensation? 

            How can I apply?       

Military (Active Duty) Resources   

Civilian Resources         

National Resources

Booklet Excerpts

My whole life I have wanted to be in the military.

I was proud to serve my country.

I wanted to carry on the family tradition, so I enlisted.

Many different people are affected by sexual assault and sexual harassment.  Victims include women and men, young and old, enlisted and officers, heterosexuals and homosexuals as well as persons from all racial and ethnic backgrounds.  Sexual assault or harassment can happen to anyone--no matter what their background or situation.  Persons in new situations can be at a greater risk due to the power differences and the potential for abuse of power (and rank). 

What is military sexual trauma

Military sexual trauma includes ANY type of sexual assault or sexual harassment which happens on active duty in a military setting.  It can occur during peacetime, during war time and during training activities.  In fact, some research has found that the occurrence of sexual assault and sexual harassment is higher during war time, possibly in part due to the increased stress associated with war.

Who can be affected?

ANYONE serving in the military can be a victim of military sexual trauma.  This includes women and men, officers and enlisted and persons from all backgrounds, religions and sexual orientations. 

The offender could be someone of the opposite or of the same gender as the victim.  However, when a person sexually assaults another person of the same gender (e.g., a man rapes another man) it does NOT mean this was a homosexual act.  In fact, both the victim and offender could be heterosexual.  Sexual assault is an act of power and control.  It is NOT a method of expressing sexual desire or intimacy. 

If you have been a victim of sexual assault while on active duty, you do not have to cope with it alone.  There are many people available to assist you and to listen.  The next step is up to you.