ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a basic foundation for understanding Military sexual trauma (MST) and provides general overview of MST, including how it is defined; who it impacts; its physical, psychological and social effects; and its significance to the general public. It describes the prevalence of MST, including a description of how the military measures and tracks MST, military sexual assault, and military sexual harassment. MST is an often misunderstood health issue that greatly impacts the lives of military personnel, and society as a whole. The US Department of Veterans Affairs defines MST as incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault incurred during military service. MST occurs across the service branches and service components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including the military service academies. The psychological effects of MST have been associated with negative long-term impact on its victims.
