Sexual Assault Against Women
You are not alone, and nothing about what happened is your fault. This page is a quiet place to find information and support. You decide what to read, what to do next, and how fast to go.
If you are in immediate danger or need safety right now
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number. If you can, move to a place where you feel safer, such as a room with a lock, a public space, or the home of someone you trust. You do not have to explain everything to ask for help.
- Veterans and service members in crisis can dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN) is free and confidential at 800-656-4673, any time of day.
- If it helps, tell one trusted person where you are and ask them to stay with you.
What can happen afterward
After sexual assault, people respond in many different ways, and there is no right or wrong way to react. Some women want to talk right away. Others need time and quiet. Some feel steady for a while and then are surprised by how they feel later.
You may be thinking about your health, your safety, your job or unit, your relationships, or what to tell people. You do not have to decide everything at once. Many women find it helps to take one small step, then pause.
Whatever you are feeling or deciding, it does not change this: what happened was not your fault. If these feelings begin to interfere with daily life, support is available, and trauma-focused resources can help you understand what you're experiencing.
Emotional and physical responses
Your body and mind may react in ways that feel confusing. These responses are common, and they are not signs of weakness. They can come and go, and they can change over time.
Support at your pace
You choose when to talk, who to talk to, and what to do next. Taking time is allowed. Changing your mind is allowed. Saying no to any step is allowed.
Some people start by reading. Some start with a text or a call. Some begin with a conversation with someone they trust. Any of these is a good beginning. Information about reporting is general, and whether and when to report is always your decision, never a requirement for getting support.
Trusted-person and professional care
A trusted person
A friend, family member, chaplain, or mentor can sit with you, walk with you, or help you make a call. You can share as little or as much as you like, and you can tell them what kind of help you want: listening, company, or practical support.
A professional
Counselors, therapists, and medical providers who work with trauma can help with health needs, sleep, stress, and healing. It is fine to ask questions first, ask about confidentiality, or request a provider who has experience with sexual trauma.
VA and military resources
Depending on your status, you may have access to VA health care, counseling, and benefits support, as well as military and community services. Many options are confidential, and eligibility can be more flexible than people expect. A VA or community staff member can help you understand what applies to you.
MST support
Military sexual trauma (MST) is the VA's term for sexual assault or sexual harassment that happened during military service. It can affect anyone, regardless of gender, rank, or where it took place. VA offers free MST-related care to many veterans and some former service members, and you do not need to have reported what happened or have any records to ask about it.
Every VA facility has an MST coordinator who can explain options in plain language, at your pace. Asking a question does not commit you to anything.
Women's peer support
Talking with other women who understand military life can ease isolation. Peer support is not therapy, and it is not a place to be pushed to share. Many women begin by listening, and that is welcome.
Look for groups that feel private, respectful, and led with care, whether they meet in person, online, or through a community partner.
Recovery and transition
Healing is not a straight line, and it does not follow a schedule. Many women find that steady routines, good sleep, time outdoors, and people who listen help over time. Big changes, like leaving service, moving, or starting a new job, can stir things up, and that is a good time to lean on support.
Moving through change
Guidance for leaving service, finding your footing, and building a steady next chapter.
Grief and loss
Grief can follow trauma, too: for trust, for a sense of safety, or for the life you expected. Gentle support is available.
Crisis support, any hour
If thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life come up, reach out right now. You deserve immediate, caring help.
Call or text 988 (Veterans, press 1), or text 838255. In immediate danger, call 911. The RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline is available at 800-656-4673. The light is on, and you do not have to wait until things feel worse to call.