Sexual Trauma
Sexual Assault Trauma and Military Sexual Trauma
Sexual assault is sexual contact or behavior that occurs without your explicit consent. Some forms of sexual assault include:
- Attempted rape
- Fondling/unwanted sexual touching
- Forcing you to perform sexual acts
- Penetration of your body, also known as rape
MST is sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. It doesn’t matter if you were on or off duty at the time or if you were on or off base when the incident(s) occurred. It includes any sexual activity that is against your will. Examples include:
- Feeling 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 drunk
- Feeling overpowered or physically forced to have sex
- Being touched/grabbed in a sexual way
- 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 you of experiences of sexual trauma
- Difficulties in relationships
- Physical health problems
Videos
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 Family – Mobile Phone App
Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment Booklet
Last Updated 6/27/2025