Sexual Assault in the Military (Brochure)

You are not alone.

Experiencing violence, abuse, harassment, or assault during your military service does not make you weak or helpless.

You deserve to heal, and asking for help can be your greatest strength.

Shelterhouse serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income, or ability level. Services are confidential and free of charge.

24-hour help line Safe shelter Support groups One-on-one counseling Housing assistance Legal advocacy Sexual assault medical forensic examinations

Midland County 2500 Waldo Ave. Midland, MI 48642 989-835-6771

Call: 877-216-6383 Text: 989-200-5122 Midland Office: 989-835-6771 Gladwin Office: 989-426-9413 www.shelterhousemidland.org

Gladwin County

shelterhousemidland.org

234 W. Cedar Ave. Gladwin, MI 48624 989-426-9413

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Sexual Assault in the Military

Quick Facts Roughly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men screened positive for military sexual trauma (MST) with Veterans Affairs.

Women who serve in the military have a higher risk of experiencing PTSD caused by military sexual trauma than PTSD caused by combat.

67% of female survivors and 81% of male survivors chose not to report their experiences.

Every year, about 10,800 men and 8,000 women experience sexual assault in the military.

Experiencing MST can lead to a higher risk of developing PTSD, substance abuse disorders, depression, and other mood disorders.

Potential Barriers to Seeking Help Many service members encounter barriers to seeking help and accessing resources after experiencing sexual assault within the military. Some of these include: Afraid to cause tension with superiors and/or peers Fear of being ostracized or shunned by peers if they come forward Shame or guilt associated with the experience Afraid they will not be believed or taken seriously Don't want to jeopardize their position or probability of moving up ranks Threatened by their assailant and forced to keep quiet about their assault

Military Sexual Trauma Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to any type of sexual assault or harassment that occurs during active military service.

Unwanted sexual advances Sexual activity that is forced, pressured, or coerced Non-consensual touching or grabbing in a sexual way Sexual comments about you or your body Any sexual action, comment, or behavior that makes you uncomfortable

VA medical centers regularly screen for MST, particularly as a PTSD stressor

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Resource Center on Domestic Violence U.S. Department of Defense

All services are completely free & confidential.