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VA Supports Military Sexual Trauma Survivors

This week’s Wellness Wednesday features a photo of Washington DC VA Medical Center Acting Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator Dr. Valene Whittaker, PhD., standing in front of a Cherry Blossom tree in Washington D.C., next to a quote from Dr. Whittaker that says:

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Department of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to survivors of Military Sexual Trauma with a message of support: We believe you, and we believe in you.

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 and for some survivors, the experience affects their physical and mental health, work, relationships and everyday life, long after the fact. Washington DC VA Medical Center Acting MST Coordinator, Dr. Valene Whittaker, PhD., specializes in connecting survivors with the care and services that are right for them.

“Every Veteran has their own personal story and path to healing, but we want every Veteran to know that they do not have to walk that path alone,” said Whittaker. “As the MST coordinator I am here to help them navigate their own path toward healing.”

Dedicated health care professionals at the Washington DC VA Medical Center provide free counseling and treatment for all health and medical conditions related to MST experiences. Along with compassionate care, they offer resources like the Beyond MST app, which allow Veterans to find the type of support that best fits their needs and preferences.

“You are the one who knows best what you need, but we are trained and knowledgeable to help you find the right care to start your healing journey,” said Whittaker. “And it doesn’t matter how long it’s been, or if you reported your experience before, we are here to help.”

Eligibility for MST-related care is expansive, and no previous documentation of the MST experience is required. Veterans and former service members do not need to have reported the MST experience at the time it occurred, to have sought care within a certain time frame, or to have applied for service connection to receive this care.

To connect with the MST Coordinator at the Washington DC VA Medical Center, contact 202-745-8000, ext. 56713.

To learn more about MST and how you can connect with VA services to heal, click here.