MST

A recent survey study conducted by VA researchers examined MST in more than 20,000 Veterans who deployed to OEF/OIF or served elsewhere during the same time period. The survey asked Veterans if they had ever experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault during their service.

Study Findings (view an infographic describing the study results):

• 42% of women Veterans and 4% of men Veterans had experienced MST
• Deployed and non-deployed women Veterans were equally likely to experience MST
• Among both men and women, Veterans who had been exposed to combat had an even higher risk of MST

We Conclude:

• MST affects a large proportion of Veterans, especially women Veterans. Efforts to stop MST and to support those who have experienced MST are needed.

Citation:

Barth, S. K., Kimerling, R. E., Pavao, J., McCutcheon, S. J., Batten, S. V., Dursa, E., … Schneiderman, A. I. (2016). Military sexual trauma among recent Veterans: Correlates of sexual assault and sexual harassment. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 50, 77–86. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2015.06.012

This study looked at how unit support influenced sexual harassment and sexual assault during deployment among 1,674 (10% women) National Guard service members.

Study Findings:

• Women were more likely than men to experience sexual harassment and/or sexual assault
• 44% of women reported experiencing sexual harassment and 19% reported experiencing sexual assault during their most recent deployment
• Greater unit support was associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing sexual harassment and/or assault among both men and women

We Conclude:

• Unit support is important and may be a potential factor decreasing the odds of experiencing sexual harassment and/or assault.
• Citation:

Walsh, K., Galea, S., Cerda, M., Richards, C., Liberzon, I., Tamurrino, M. B., … Koenen, K. C. (2014). Unit support protects against sexual harassment and assault among National Guard Soldiers. Womens Health Issues, 24, 600-604. doi:10.1016/j.whi.2014.05.006