Disclaimer

This Blog is about helping Male disabled veterans find useful information,This is not advice but research and our opinions. The information provided at this website is of a general nature provided for educational purposes, and is not meant to be specific to any veteran or other claimant in matters related to claims for benefits.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

What is Military Sexual Trauma?

"Military sexual trauma refers to both sexual harassment and sexual assault that occurs in military settings. Both men and women can experience military sexual trauma and the perpetrator can be of the same or of the opposite gender."1 There are varying degrees of this behavior throughout the military. To some people in the military, this type of behavior is seen as "normal" or may even be portayed as a part of initiation or acceptance to a unit. In some units, the behavior is condoned "from the top down," meaning that even the commanders are aware of the behavior and do nothing to stop it, if not actually participating in it.
This is one reason why Male Military Sexual Trauma is not widely reported in the first place; because the victim may feel that they are crazy for thinking that they have been wronged, when it's "normal" behavior in the unit.
It is not normal.
You have to be careful once this has happened, to make sure that you get the best advice possible, because it is possible that your chain of command will turn against you, and attempt to cover-up the incident, or humiliate and ridicule you making it out to be your fault, when in fact it is not.
The chaplain may be one person you feel safe going to, or perhaps it is JAG, or another soldier.
References
1. Street, Amy. and Stafford, Jane. (N.D.) Military Sexual Trauma: Issues in Caring for Veterans. National Center for PTSD. Department of Veterans Affairs.

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