Female Veterans Reporting More Military Sexual Trauma

July 30, 2010 - Women have been used in multiple combat capacities more recently than ever before. For the female soldiers breaking through this barrier, it should be a time of celebration; a time to prove their "worth" to the military machine. Recent reports, however, are showing a very disturbing trend. Female veterans are reporting sexual trauma in increasing levels.

Approximately 1 in 6 female veterans being treated at VA facilities report being the victim of some form of sexual trauma while in the military. For men, that number is closer to 1 in 100 and even then, it is an increase in reported cases. The Fort Wayne VA Medical Center (FWMC) alone is treating almost 100 veterans for Military Sexual Trauma (MST). Although a single cause for the increased reports has not been acknowledged, FWMC officials believe one factor is the increased amount of females in combat.

MST is broadly defined and includes many different acts ranging from harassment all the way to rape. MST symptoms usually emulate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and can very easily develop into PTSD. Treatment is not currently mandated for those veterans found to be suffering from MST, although it is offered.

FWMC officials liken MST to its civilian counterpart in that the assaults or traumas are usually not reported. Veterans can qualify for VA services despite never having reported the MST. If the victim does not qualify for VA health benefits, that victim can register with the VA and will receive a referral to a private doctor. This is a great tool to encourage victims to report their assaults.