About Military Sexual Trauma
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to experiences of sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occur during military service.
MST is widely underreported during military service and after discharge from active duty. Some survivors wait decades to disclose what happened to them.
This page will provide important information and context for MST providers on military culture, relevant statistics, and special populations that will help guide your practice
Military Culture and Impact on MST
Military culture can shape how MST occurs, is understood, and is responded to within military settings.
Click on the boxes below to find out more
MST Statistics
Key statistics help MST providers understand the prevalence of MST and the vulnerabilities of certain populations. This information may also be helpful when you are educating community partners, stakeholders, and families.
Reporting
Rates
Only about 15% of MST victims make formal report to the military 1
Average of 20,000 MST events per year over the last decade 3
Estimated # of incidents per year
Deployment risks
Increased incidence of MST during warzone deployment 5
Ranks most at risk
Lower ranks and younger service members are more at risk for MST 2
Impact on career
25% leave the military within 2 years after incident 4
Risk for LGBTQ+ service members
More at risk than cisgender service members 6
"The most important thing I tell my MST clients that you can do is focus on yourself and realize that this has nothing to do with you. I mean, when things like that happen, it's not because of them. It has nothing to do with them. They're just collateral damage in somebody else's power issue or ego issue, and they're made to be the victim for whatever reason, and it makes them question themselves."
MST Provider on their approach to helping clients who have experienced victim-blaming
Male
Survivors
of MST
LGBTQ+
Service Members
Indigenous
Service Members
Older Adult
Veterans
Special Populations
Understanding the unique experiences of MST survivors can help you deliver culturally responsive and individualized care