Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a profound and devastating experience that can
lead to a cascade of negative outcomes for victims, including homelessness,
substance abuse, and even suicide. The journey from enduring such trauma to
ending up on the streets is complex, often driven by deep-seated feelings of shame,
rejection from loved ones, and an inadequate support system. Understanding this
tragic path is crucial to addressing the systemic failures that leave so many MST
survivors without a home, struggling with addiction, and at risk of taking their own
lives.
The Cycle of Shame and Rejection
For many victims of MST, the trauma doesn’t end with the assault or harassment
itself. The aftermath is often characterized by overwhelming feelings of shame,
guilt, and self-blame. These emotions are not just products of the trauma but are
often reinforced by the reactions—or lack thereof—of those around them.
Victims frequently fear being judged or disbelieved by their family and friends. In
many cases, when MST survivors muster the courage to speak out, they are met
with skepticism or outright rejection. Family members might downplay the severity
of the trauma or, in some instances, suggest that the victim should have “done
more” to prevent the assault. Friends may distance themselves, uncomfortable with
the reality of the situation or unsure of how to offer support. This rejection can
exacerbate the victim’s feelings of isolation and worthlessness.
For many, the military is not just a job; it’s an identity and a source of pride.
Experiencing MST, particularly in an environment that prizes strength and
resilience, can shatter that identity. The shame associated with the trauma often
leads to self-imposed isolation, as survivors withdraw from relationships that could
otherwise offer support. The fear of judgment or pity drives many victims to cut ties
with those they love, further deepening their sense of loneliness and abandonment.
The Descent into Homelessness
The combination of emotional trauma, rejection, and a lack of support can quickly
destabilize an MST victim’s life. Many survivors find it impossible to continue their
military service, either due to the mental health impact of the trauma or because
they are forced out after reporting the assault. Losing a military career can be
devastating, as it often means not only the loss of income and housing but also the
loss of a sense of purpose and community.
Without a stable income or a supportive network, many MST survivors struggle to
find employment or maintain housing. The trauma can make it difficult to hold
down a job, particularly if the survivor is dealing with symptoms of PTSD,
depression, or anxiety. For some, the transition from military to civilian life was
already challenging; the added burden of MST can make it nearly impossible. As a
result, many find themselves without a home, living on the streets or in shelters.
Homelessness among MST survivors is alarmingly common. According to the
Department of Veterans Affairs, women veterans are two to three times more likely
to experience homelessness than their male counterparts, and MST is a significant
factor in this disparity. The lack of targeted support services for MST survivors,
combined with the general challenges of accessing veterans’ benefits, leaves many
without the resources they need to rebuild their lives after trauma.
The Turn to Substance Abuse
In the face of overwhelming emotional pain and a lack of support, many MST
survivors turn to alcohol and drugs as a way to cope. Substance abuse can provide
a temporary escape from the intense feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness
that often accompany MST. However, this form of self-medication quickly spirals
into addiction, further exacerbating the survivor’s problems.
Substance abuse often leads to a vicious cycle: as addiction takes hold, it becomes
harder to maintain employment or housing, deepening the survivor’s financial and
emotional instability. The stigma surrounding both addiction and MST can also
reinforce feelings of shame and isolation, driving the victim further away from the
help they need.
Unfortunately, many homeless MST survivors find themselves caught in a cycle of
substance abuse, unable to break free without significant intervention. The
combination of homelessness and addiction is particularly deadly, as it leaves
survivors vulnerable to further victimization, deteriorating physical and mental
health, and a complete lack of hope for the future.
The Final Tragedy: Suicide
For too many MST survivors, the pain and despair become unbearable. The
combination of trauma, rejection, homelessness, and addiction can create a sense
of hopelessness that leads some to see suicide as the only way out. The statistics
are grim: veterans who have experienced MST are at a significantly higher risk of
suicide than their peers, with female veterans being particularly vulnerable.
The reasons for this increased risk are multifaceted. MST survivors often feel
betrayed by the very institution they served, and the lack of accountability for
perpetrators can compound their sense of injustice and worthlessness. The stigma
surrounding both MST and the resulting mental health issues can prevent survivors
from seeking help, and those who do reach out often find that the available services
are inadequate or inaccessible.
The tragedy of suicide among MST survivors is a stark reminder of the failures of
the systems meant to protect and support them. The military, veterans’ services,
and society at large must do more to address the unique needs of MST survivors,
providing them with the comprehensive care and support necessary to heal and
rebuild their lives.
Breaking the Cycle: What Needs to Change
Addressing the crisis of homelessness, substance abuse, and suicide among MST
survivors requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, the military must
create a culture where MST is taken seriously, and survivors are supported rather
than stigmatized. This includes holding perpetrators accountable and providing
robust support services for victims, both during and after their service.
In the civilian world, there must be more targeted support for MST survivors,
including housing assistance, mental health services, and substance abuse
treatment. These services should be designed with an understanding of the unique
challenges faced by MST survivors, particularly the need for trauma-informed care
that addresses both the psychological and practical aspects of recovery.
Family and friends also have a crucial role to play. By offering unconditional
support, believing survivors, and standing by them in their time of need, they can
help prevent the descent into homelessness and addiction. Education and
awareness campaigns can help break down the stigma surrounding MST,
encouraging more survivors to come forward and seek the help they need.
In conclusion, the journey from MST to homelessness is a tragic and preventable
one, driven by shame, rejection, and a lack of support. By addressing the systemic
issues that perpetuate this cycle, we can create a world where MST survivors are
not left to suffer in silence, but are empowered to heal and reclaim their lives.