Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Resource Hub
What happened was not your fault. Support is here, at your pace.
This page is for active-duty service members, reservists, and veterans of every gender who have experienced military sexual trauma. You do not have to share details, make a report, or decide anything today to be welcome here. Support is available even if the experience was never reported.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. In the U.S., Veterans and service members can dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255.
What MST can mean
Military sexual trauma (MST) is the term the VA uses for sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that happened during military service. It can happen to anyone, of any gender, rank, or branch, in any setting, and whether on or off duty.
MST is something that happened to you. It is not a measure of your strength, your service, or your worth. There is no single "right" way to respond, and reactions can show up right away or years later.
You do not need a report, a record, or a diagnosis to be believed here, or to ask for help. Support is available even if the experience was never reported.
Common effects
How MST can show up
Survivors respond in many different ways, and none of them mean something is wrong with you. You may notice some of these, all of them, or none. These are common responses to something overwhelming, not signs of weakness.
Related support, whenever you are ready:
Immediate safety
Your safety comes first
If you are in immediate danger, or are thinking about harming yourself, please call 911 or your local emergency number, or reach the Veterans Crisis Line right now. You do not need to explain everything to get help.
If you are in danger right now
- Call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Move toward a safe, public, or well-lit place if you can.
- Contact someone you trust and ask them to stay with you.
- Veterans and service members: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
If you are safe right now
- Pick one person or service you trust and let them know you need support.
- Think about a safe place to be tonight, and who could be nearby.
- If a device, account, or place feels unsafe, use a different one when you reach out.
- You can pause at any time. Nothing here requires you to decide today.
Practical next steps
Six small steps, in any order
Take what helps and leave the rest. Nothing here has to happen today, and you can stop at any time.
STEP 1
Choose a safe person
Pick one person who listens without judging, such as a friend, family member, chaplain, or advocate. You can tell them only what you want them to know, and you can ask them to simply be present.
STEP 2
Ground when triggered
When memories or stress feel loud, try one of the five-minute tools below. Slow your exhale, feel your feet on the floor, or remind yourself where you are today. Stop if anything feels worse.
STEP 3
Set boundaries
You choose what to share, with whom, and when. You can say no, take a break, or stop a conversation at any time, and you can ask who will see what you share before you begin.
STEP 4
Prepare questions for a provider
Write down what you want to know before an appointment: what stays private, what your options are, how treatment works, and what happens next. Bringing a trusted person is always okay.
STEP 5
Take one manageable step
One step is enough for today: read a resource, send a short message, write three lines in a journal, or take a gentle walk. Healing is rarely a straight line, and small steps count.
STEP 6
Seek urgent help when unsafe
If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, call 911 or dial 988 and press 1. You do not need to explain everything to get help.
Five-minute tools
Grounding and coping, five minutes at a time
These are small, practical ways to steady yourself when memories, anxiety, or stress feel loud. Try one. Stop if anything feels worse. These tools support professional care and do not replace it.
- Name five things you can see. Look around the room and say them quietly to yourself, then four you can touch, three you can hear.
- Slow your exhale. Breathe in for four counts, out for six. Repeat for one to two minutes.
- Feel your feet. Press them into the floor and notice the weight of your body in the chair.
- Use temperature. Hold a cool glass of water or splash cool water on your hands and face.
- Orient to today. Say your name, the date, and where you are. Tell yourself, "I am safe in this moment."
- Write three lines. A journal note about how you feel, without needing to describe what happened.
- Move gently. A short walk, stretching, or a few shoulder rolls can help your body settle.
Reaching out
Asking for support without telling the whole story
You choose what to share, with whom, and when. Most providers and advocates do not need details to help. A few words are enough to start.
- "Something happened during my service, and I would like support. I am not ready to talk about the details."
- "I experienced MST. Can you tell me what my options are and what stays private?"
- "I need to go at my own pace. Please let me know before asking me anything."
- Ask in advance who will see what you share, and what happens next.
You can say no, take a break, or stop a conversation at any time.
Confidential support and reporting
Your options, explained carefully
Whether to report is your decision. You can seek support without reporting, and support does not depend on a report. Rules about confidentiality differ depending on who you talk to and your status, so it is fine to ask before you share anything.
Confidential support
Talking with a counselor, therapist, or MST coordinator does not require you to file a report. Ask each person what is kept private and any limits, such as safety concerns, before you begin.
Reporting, if you choose it
Active-duty service members may have two options: a restricted report, which allows support without starting an investigation, and an unrestricted report, which can start one. A SAPR Victim Advocate or Sexual Assault Response Coordinator can explain both. There is no deadline for seeking support.
Options differ by branch, status, and location. Ask what each choice means before deciding, and consider bringing a trusted person with you.
VA and military resources
Where VA and military support can help
The VA provides free care for conditions related to MST, including counseling and treatment, to Veterans and some former service members, regardless of when it happened, whether it was reported, or whether you have a VA disability rating. Every VA health care facility has an MST coordinator who can explain options and help you get started.
- Ask for the MST coordinator at your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center.
- Active-duty members and reservists can ask a military behavioral health clinic, chaplain, or a SAPR Victim Advocate about confidential options.
- Benefits and eligibility vary. A VA staff member can walk you through your situation at your pace.
Peer and community support
You do not have to carry this alone
Many survivors find relief in being around others who understand, without needing to explain everything. Peer and community support can be one-to-one, in a small group, online, or simply time with people who feel safe.
- Look for survivor-centered groups, and ask how they are led and who attends.
- You can listen first. Sharing is always optional.
- Women and men have dedicated resources, and shared support is open to everyone.