MST
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Awareness & Support
Restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and offering healing to survivors
Understanding MST: A Hidden Battle Among Our Veterans
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to any sexual harassment or sexual assault experienced during military service. It is an often silent and deeply personal struggle that affects both women and men—regardless of age, rank, or branch.
The statistics are sobering:
- About 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men report experiencing MST while serving in the military (VA.gov).
- MST is strongly linked to long-term PTSD, depression, substance use, and increased risk of suicide.
- Many survivors never report their experience, often due to fear, shame, retaliation, or a lack of support.
- Veterans who experienced MST are more than twice as likely to develop PTSD as those who experienced combat trauma alone.
- MST survivors face significant barriers to care—especially in rural areas—leaving many to suffer in silence.
At Fire Missions Veteran Services, we are committed to breaking the silence, ending the stigma, and walking with veterans on the path to healing after MST.
How Fire Missions Veteran Services Supports MST Survivors
We recognize that recovery from MST is complex and deeply personal. That’s why our programs are trauma-informed,
faith-centered, and tailored to restore safety, self-worth, and trust.
Specialized Recovery Programs
Our flagship 24-week program, Operation Redemption, includes:
- Self-confrontation workbooks and journaling to promote healing and self-awareness
- Group and individual counseling, including referrals for MST-focused therapy
- Equine therapy and community service to rebuild trust, purpose, and identity
- A faith-based approach that supports spiritual and emotional renewal
Emergency & Long-Term Support
We also offer:
- Emergency housing for veterans in immediate danger or displacement
- Permanent housing pathways for veterans who have completed recovery
- Compassion Cash, a one-time emergency financial assistance fund
We Help Navigate MST-Specific VA Resources
MST survivors are eligible for free VA counseling and treatment, even if they do not have a service-connected disability or were dishonorably discharged. However, many veterans don’t know where to start.
At Fire Missions Veteran Services, we help survivors:
- File MST-related VA claims and understand their rights
- Schedule mental health evaluations and therapy with MST-trained professionals
- Connect with VA Women’s Health Coordinators and MST coordinators
- Understand their eligibility for free, confidential MST services from the VA
Raising Awareness in the Community
We are also active in outreach and education, raising awareness about MST and promoting access to services through:
- County and state fairs, parades, and veteran resource events
- One-on-one conversations at our mobile outreach booths
- Public education about PTSD, addiction, suicide, and MST
- Annual events on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and Operation Santa, where we speak openly about MST’s impact and offer support to survivors
Our Commitment: Safety, Respect, and Renewal
Every program at FMVS is built with MST survivors in mind. We create spaces where veterans can:
- Speak openly without shame
- Reclaim their story and their identity
- Restore family relationships and community connection
- Experience healing in body, mind, and spirit
Whether you’re ready to share your story—or just need someone to talk to—we are here.
You Are Not Broken. You Are Not Alone. You Can Heal.
If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of MST, Fire Missions Veteran Services is ready to help.
Your experience matters. Your voice matters. Your healing matters.