Support MST survivors on their path toward healing
Military sexual trauma, or MST, is the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service. Healing after MST can take time.
Healing after MST can take time. For some, the experience affects their physical and mental health, work, relationships, or everyday life, even many years later. VA can help survivors navigate their own path toward healing, no matter how long it’s been since they experienced MST or how it’s affecting them now.
MST can affect more people than you may think. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has helped MST survivors of all service branches by providing compassionate care. Beyond that, VA’s MST-related services are free for Veterans who experienced MST and usually available even to those unable to fully enroll in VA health care.
Because everyone is unique, VA offers flexible treatment options tailored to each survivor’s needs and preferences. Eligibility for VA’s MST-related care is expansive, and no documentation of the MST experience is required. Survivors do not need to have reported the experience when it occurred, to have sought care within a specific time frame, or to have applied for service connection.
Each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), VA reaches out to survivors and their families, friends, and supporters. This year, as part of that campaign, VA Northern California is offering virtual “Let’s Talk MST” visits to answer questions and educate survivors on the therapy experience and what it’s like to talk with a therapist. These visits can be short—15 minutes—or a bit longer if needed and are available all day on April 21 and 28.
If you or someone you know experienced MST and is interested in learning more or receiving a “Let’s Talk MST” video link, contact our MST coordinator who specializes in connecting survivors with the care and services that are right for them:
Catherine M. Novotny, Ph.D.
Martinez VA Outpatient Center
925-372-2554
Catherine.Novotny@va.gov
To learn about MST services at VA Northern California, visit www.va.gov/northern-california-health-care/programs/military-sexual-trauma-care. Information about VA’s national MST and MST-related services is available at www.MentalHealth.va.gov/msthome.