A bleaker picture emerges when we consider reports from postdischarge veteran surveys.
In a nationwide randomly selected sample of women seeking care through VA medical centers, approximately one in four reported experiencing sexual trauma while on active duty.
Prevalence rates of MST in women were 20 to 25 percent for sexual assault and 24 to 60 percent for sexual harassment.
Thus, even though the DoD is mobilizing to reduce MST incidence with new education and prevention programs, a significant effort is also required to develop and disseminate effective treatments to address the needs of those already experiencing PTSD due to MST.
While both men and women can experience MST, the growing number of women transitioning to a full combat role underscores this work’s urgency.