Men, did you or someone you 

know experience unwanted 

sexual experiences or 

harassment in the military? 

If so, you’re not alone. 

Strength and Recovery 

Men Overcoming Military Sexual Trauma 

Read on to learn about other 

men’s experiences and some 

helpful information for you. 

What is Military Sexual Trauma?
 

Military sexual trauma, or MST, refers to sexual assault or sexual 

harassment that occurred during a Veteran’s military service. 

MST can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, strength, size, 

age, race, sexual orientation, or branch or era of service. 

MST can include experiences such as: 

 Being pressured into sexual activities, either with threats or with 

promises of better treatment 

 Being unable to consent, such as when 

asleep or intoxicated 

 Being physically forced or overpowered 

 Unwanted sexual touching or grabbing 

 Repeated and offensive remarks about 

one’s body or sexual activities 

 Threatening and unwelcome sexual advances 

Other things to know: MST can happen repeatedly. The reason 

doesn’t matter; even if it was called “hazing,” it is still MST. 

Also, the perpetrator(s) may or may not be known to you, 

may be male or female, and may be Servicemembers or civilians. 

Veterans from many different backgrounds have 

experienced MST, and much of what you read here may 

apply to both men and women. 

However, this brochure focuses on male Veterans’ 

experiences and concerns. 

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You Are Not Alone 

Men often don’t talk about sexual trauma, so survivors may 

think they’re the only ones it’s ever happened to. VA health 

care providers ask all Veterans about MST for this reason. 

Many men have taken the brave step to speak up. In fact, 

almost half of all Veterans who tell a VA provider they 

experienced MST are men. 

What Makes MST so Difficult for Many Men?
 

There are many reasons. Other male 

Veterans have said things like: 

•	 “This can’t happen to me. This doesn’t 

happen to men.” 

•	 “I felt like less of a man after, sometimes like not even a man at all.” 

•	 “I tried to move on and forget it. It’s probably too late now.” 

• “I should have been able to stop it. It was my fault.”
 

For many men, other issues are also critical:
 

•	 Men may have had uncontrollable biological reactions like an 

erection or ejaculation during MST. This does not mean that they 

wanted or enjoyed it. It also does not mean anything about their 

sexual orientation. 

•	 Men’s background and identity, like their age, race, religion, and 

abuse or trauma prior to military service, can also affect their 

reactions to MST. 

Some Common Reactions in Men 

Some men recover on their own. Others struggle with some common 

reactions, even many years later. Many men say they are: 

 Angry, especially when feeling threatened or betrayed 

 Ashamed or feeling damaged or like a failure 

 Worried about masculinity or sexual orientation 

 Having sexual functioning difficulties such as low sex drive 

or erectile problems 

 On edge, on guard, or having panic attacks 

 Numb, flat, or unable to give or feel love or happiness 

 Using alcohol, drugs, reckless behavior, or unsafe sex to shut off 

memories and feelings 

 Having conflicts with others or difficulty trusting 

 Feeling isolated or avoiding reminders 

 Having trouble with sleep, focus, or memory 

 Having chronic pain or digestive problems 

 Having eating problems or negative body image 

If you can relate to some of these, 

that doesn’t mean you’re “crazy” 

or “weak.” In fact, they are very 

understandable. However, it is 

also possible to feel better 

over time. 

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You Deserve a Better Quality of Life 

• Many men have difficulties with their experience of MST long 

after it occurred. You may still blame yourself, for example. 

However, as you move forward, we hope you come to realize that 

MST is never your fault. 

• Men are taught to be silent and show no emotion, but other men 

 who experienced MST want you to know that healing is possible. 

• No matter how long it has been, you can still get your life back 

and begin a new chapter free of anger, guilt, or despair. 

Fight the good fight. Even if you are 

doing well or choose to cope with 

MST on your own, find safe ways to 

take care of your physical and mental 

health. You’ll stay healthy and have a 

better quality of life. 

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It’s Never Too Late, and It’s Never Too Soon 

 

VA is committed to helping all Veterans who are struggling and 

need help to recover from MST. 

• All VA treatment for physical and mental health problems related 

to MST is confidential and free. 

• You do not need to have reported the MST when it happened or 

have documentation that it occurred. 

• You do not need to be service connected and may be able to receive 

MST-related care even if you are not eligible for other VA care. 

• You can ask to meet with a provider of the same or opposite sex 

if it would be more comfortable for you. 

• All VA health care providers receive training on MST, including 

information about men’s experiences. 

• Every VA health care system also has an MST Coordinator, 

a point person who can help you access VA services 

and may know of additional resources. 

“It takes a lot of courage and strength to speak up. 

Treatment helped me to get better and stay independent.”

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Moving Forward in Your Recovery 

There are many steps you can take to move forward after MST. 

At first, many men try to pretend it didn’t happen. However, if doing 

that isn’t helping or you feel stuck, consider talking to someone. 

•	 Telling a VA provider that you experienced MST can be a big

 but healthy step. You should know that you can do this without

 feeling the need to commit to further services. 

 

•	 If you are struggling, there are proven, effective treatments for 

many problems associated with MST. 

•	 MST-related treatments can include medical care, outpatient, 

residential, and inpatient counseling, and medications. 

•	 In treatment, you will partner with your provider(s) to set goals at

 your pace and build on your strengths. It’s your choice whether to

 talk about your experiences of MST. You may also focus on

 learning new tools or skills that will help you build a better life. 

 

 

•	 Keep trying and you’ll find something that fits for your recovery. 

Resources to Help You Move Forward 

•	 If you are struggling, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 

1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net.

 Operators are specially trained and experienced in helping 

Veterans, and many are also Veterans themselves. 

•	 Check out www.maketheconnection.net to see and hear stories 

from other male Veterans. (Click “Video Gallery” at the top, 

then from the menu on the left check “Male,” and under 

“Conditions” check “Effects of Military Sexual Trauma.”) 

•	 Visit www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp to learn about 

MST and VA programs and services. 

•	 Talk to a VA health care provider, call and ask for the MST 

Coordinator at your nearest VA Medical Center, or call a local 

Vet Center. Find local VA and Vet Center facilities at 

www.va.gov and www.vetcenter.va.gov. 

•	 Veterans can receive compensation for conditions that began or 

got worse in the line of duty, including injuries or disabilities 

related to MST. A Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) MST 

Coordinator at your nearest Regional Office can explain more. 

Visit www.va.gov for a list of VBA Regional Offices or call 

VA’s general hotline at 1-800-827-1000. 

June 2015 

IB 10-699 

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