Military Sexual Trauma
APA Citation:
Frey-Ho Fung, R. A., Larsen, S. E., & Gobin, R. L. (2022). Military sexual trauma. In Geffner, R., White, J. W., Hamberger, L. K., Rosenbaum, A., Vaughan-Eden, V., & Vieth, V. I. (Eds.), Handbook of interpersonal violence and abuse across the lifespan (pp. 4015-4034). Springer Link. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89999-2_194
Focus:
Veterans
Trauma
Mental health
Physical health
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Active Duty
Subject Affiliation:
Veteran
Active duty service member
Population:
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Review of Literature
Authors:
Frey-Ho Fung, Rae Anne, Larsen, Sadie E., Gobin, Robyn L., Geffner, Robert, White, Jacquelyn W., Hamberger, L. Kevin, Rosenbaum, Alan, Vaughan-Eden, Viola, Vieth, Victor I.
Abstract:
Military sexual trauma (MST) is defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs as sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurred during military service. In the last two decades, increasing awareness of the widespread occurrence of MST has been the catalyst for national conversation. Estimates suggest that approximately 16% of service members report MST and three times that many may experience harassment. The organizational climate and culture of the military has been perceived as tolerant of harassment, and prevalent harassment is associated with high rates of sexual assault. While many service members are resilient, the experience of MST is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as a variety of emotional, physical, and functional impairments. Much of the research has focused on women service members; however, there are important differences to consider when taking into account the experiences of male survivors or sexual and gender minorities. Several empirically based interventions have demonstrated efficacy among survivors of MST. Treatment in this population must be tailored to the presenting diagnosis, as well as address rape myths and isolation. In the last decade, the Department of Defense has begun implementing practices and policies aimed at preventing MST, as well as improving access to care following MST; however, rates of MST remain high.
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Springer International Publishing
Publication Type:
Book Chapter
Author Affiliation:
Rogers Behavioral Health, U.S. Army/OIF Veteran, RAFHF
Milwaukee VA Medical Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, SEL
Department of Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, RLG
Keywords:
military sexual trauma, sexual assault, harassment
Location:
Cham