The Hottest Topic Not Openly Discussed: MST

Sensitive Content Warning* This post contains content about Sexual Assault. If you or someone you know is struggling and are in need of immediate help, please contact this 24/7 confidential sexual assault hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673). Find your local VA MST coordinator here: http://rly.pt/38iS1bT

Has life ever inadvertently made you an expert in a topic you would have never chosen to study? It did that to me with MST which stands for: Military Sexual Trauma. For obvious reasons, it hasn’t been discussed often until the “#MeToo” movement. Most people equate sexual acts with something private between consenting individuals. MST is the complete opposite of this. Let me say it again; MST has nothing to do with sexual intimacy. It is genderless, violent abuse acted upon by those whose main focus is their own selfish desire. I am veteran rated 100% permanent with all associated benefits and have been in therapy over a decade. It is my anecdotal opinion that the first thing we can all do to address this injustice is to discuss it. We must start by calling it what it is: a crime.

Our lives are in each other’s hands and MST is a devastating violation of trust. Trust is imperative for the functionality of our duties and overall lives. Besides the traumatic impact MST has mentally and physically, it also costs the military a substantial amount of money that could be allocated in other ways. When soldiers lose limbs or are injured in combat, they should be financially taken care of immediately without worrying about how they will feed themselves or their families. However, their case is put in the same queue as myself and other MST victims who have become incapacitated. This article is too brief for me to go into the devastating layers of mental, physical and financial effects of MST. However, I want you to understand that MST is the direct result of a crime, and it’s preventable.

I know the first thing some folks will say is, “Don’t get drunk and put yourself in a compromising position.” The shame associated with this narrative prevents countless victims from reporting the crime which in turn, causes us to quietly suffer with physical and mental illnesses. My response to this is that honorable people don’t take or allow others to take advantage of a compromised person, they lead them to safety. Ask yourself, what kind of person are you? Do you consider it okay to be violent and enforce your will, even rape, because someone is drunk? I hope we all have more honor than that.

Don’t be a victim shamer! Look very hard at the real enemy: discrimination. It divides us when our survival depends on unity. In my opinion, anyone using their superior position, strength, or resources to harm someone else, even those who pose no threat, are guilty of discrimination on a fundamental level. People discriminate when they judge someone unworthy of respect because of race, gender, social status, religion or anything else that causes a superiority complex. This dangerous attitude leads to people committing violent, traumatic crimes such as MST. This is the enemy within our beloved military that needs to be destroyed.

As for victims, remember two words: report and support. You must report this, and please know there is support that will help guide you through to the other end. Your injuries are real and they are not your fault. Taking the first step and discussing this terrifying violation of privacy and trust with someone is true bravery. Do this for yourself, but also do it for potential new victims who don’t deserve to be stripped of their autonomy. Personally, I spoke up to: stop the crime, save victims (including myself), and save resources for soldiers injured by the enemy outside rather than the one within. Every VA healthcare facility and Vet Center has an MST coordinator. You can reach out by phone or online here: http://rly.pt/3hLI75v

I am willing to offer peer support to any veteran who needs it. My goal will be to connect you with someone who can actually help you use the plethora of available resources.