DMV Spotlight shines a light on Military Sexual Trauma as part of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Dr Amy Street, National Director for Military Sexual Trauma, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, states one in three female veterans say they have been victims of sexual trauma and one in fifty men in the military that can range from sexual harassment to sexual assault. Dr. Street says the local V.A. office can provide free treatment and support services alongside care for PTSD and for substance abuse which often accompany MST ( Military Sexual Trauma).
Dr. Street explains veterans are often reticent to speak up and ask for help because previous efforts have been ignored or worse. She also notes there is now a self help mobile app designed for those who have experienced MST that is also free and confidential.
For more information, please visit: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/vha-mst-coordinators.asp