HAVE YOU BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED OR ASSAULTED IN THE MILITARY?
One of the most serious problems in the U.S. military – and sadly one of the most underreported – is that of sexual harassment and abuse. Military sexual assault statistics provided by the Department of Defense show that more than 2,558 unrestricted reports of sexual assault were filed in fiscal year 2012, and another 816 restricted reports were made; but these only scratch the surface of the number of assaults that were actually made. Studies show that a large number of harassment cases go unreported due to fear of retaliation, among other reasons.
If you or someone you know has been sexually harassed, threatened, or assaulted during their service in the U.S. military, the consequences can be severe. Many cases of sexual abuse in the military, whether reported or otherwise, can result in military sexual trauma (MST). There are many forms of MST, the most common of which is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After being sexually harassed or abused, especially if it was regularly and over a period of time, a military servicemember could suffer from severe trauma-related anxiety that affects their ability to enjoy life. PTSD can involve stress breakdowns that are triggered by anything from physical contact to a spoken phrase that reminds the individual of their previous traumatic experience.
FILE AN MST CLAIM WITH THE VA
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers compensation for those veterans who have developed disabling mental and emotional issues such as a result of their sexual abuse in the service. The VA also stands alongside abused veterans and helps them to find professional counseling and treatment to help them overcome their obstacles. You can file claim with the VA online or in person at your local VA office, but it is highly recommended that you have the counsel and guidance of an agent or legal representative in order to ensure that you follow all of the necessary steps.