Sexual Trauma

Sexual Assault Trauma and Military Sexual Trauma

Sexual assault is sexual contact or behavior that occurs without explicit consent of the victim. Some forms of sexual assault include:

• Attempted rape
• Fondling or unwanted sexual touching
• Forcing a victim to perform sexual acts, such as oral sex or penetrating the perpetrator’s body
• Penetration of the victim’s body, also known as rape

MST is sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. It does not matter whether the victim was on or off duty at the time or whether they were on or off base when the incident(s) occurred. It includes any sexual activity that is against the victim’s will. Examples include:

• Being pressured into sexual activities, such as with threats of negative treatment if you refuse or with a promise of better treatment in exchange for sex
• Sexual contact or activities without consent, including when asleep or intoxicated
• Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex
• Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way, including during hazing experiences
• Comments about your body or sexual activities that you found threatening
• Unwanted sexual advances

Symptoms

Some of the difficulties people may have after MST include:

• Intense or strong emotional reactions
• Feelings of numbness
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulties with attention, concentration, and memory
• Problems with alcohol or other drugs
• Difficulty with things that remind them of their experiences of sexual trauma
• Difficulties in relationships
• Physical health problems

Videos

PTSD Videos VA.gov

Resources

CBT-I Coach – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia App - Android

CPT Coach – Cognitive Processing Therapy Mobile Phone App - Android

Mindfulness – Mobile Phone App

PTSD Coach – Mobile Phone App

PTSD Family – Mobile Phone App

PTSD Therapies

Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment Booklet

 

The TRICARE East Case Management Program provides support to qualifying TRICARE beneficiaries with trauma due to sexual assault. Our experienced clinicians will help you improve how you manage your condition and improve your overall quality of life. Beneficiaries or their providers can call us with questions or to enroll in the program at 800-881-9227.