Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
Current or active veterans can come by and chat with our VSO on Walk in Wednesdays!
Schedule an appointment or walk in for our MST – Military Sexual Trauma Counselor. The VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no. Examples include:
- Being pressured or coerced into sexual activities, such as with threats of negative treatment if you refuse to cooperate or with promises of better treatment
- Sexual contact or activities without your consent, including when you were asleep or intoxicated
- Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex
- Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that made you uncomfortable, including during “hazing” experiences
- Comments about your body or sexual activities that you found threatening
- Unwanted sexual advances that you found threatening
People of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and branches of service have experienced MST. Like other types of trauma, MST can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, even many years later. Things you may experience could include:
- Disturbing memories or nightmares
- Difficulty feeling safe
- Feelings of depression or numbness
- Using alcohol or other drugs to numb or escape from negative feelings
- Feeling isolated from other people
- Difficulties with anger, irritability, or other strong emotions
- Self-doubt, self-blame, or decreased self esteem
- Issues with sleep
- Physical health problems
If you are having any current difficulties related to MST, VA is here to support you in whatever way will help you best — from learning more about how MST affects people, to treatment that helps you cope with how MST is impacting your life currently, or if you prefer, treatment that involves discussing your experiences in more depth.
Know your separation requirements.
Your first step should be connecting with the Transition Assistance Program of your service branch. Here, you’ll find detailed information about what’s included and how to connect with your service branch’s program. Make sure you schedule your pre-separation counseling no fewer than 90 days before separation. Arrange your final medical exam. Attend an employment workshop. Give yourself time when scheduling your final move.
Plan your post-retirement budget.
Review your military retirement pay, benefits and expenses to plan your budget and calculate what you’ll have each month, including your monthly retirement pay. Remember that federal and state taxes will be withheld from your retirement, and just like your active-duty pay, your retirement pay adjusts annually based on cost of living to protect your income against inflation.
Learn about the benefits you’ve earned.
As an active-duty service member, you receive numerous benefits. What happens to them when you retire? It can vary greatly.
- Effective January 1, 2018, you must enroll yourself and eligible family members in TRICARE or risk losing your benefit.
- You have one calendar year from your retirement date to use your last government-paid move anywhere within the U.S. or to your home of record outside the country.
- Your Servicemembers Group Life Insurance plan continues uninterrupted for 120 days after separation.
- You have up to 10 or 15 years after separation to use your GI Bill (depending on the program).
Office:
2808 Hillcreek Drive
Augusta, GA 30909
Phone: (706) 733-0333
Email: info@galifemanagement.com
