April is Sexual Assault Awarness Month.  The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses the term “military sexual trauma” or “MST” to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service and has services available to assist Veterans in their recovery from MST.

• Veterans can receive free treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to their experiences of MST at every VA medical facility.  Veterans do not need to have documentation of their experiences and may be able to receive care even if they are not eligible for other VA services.

• Veterans can apply for disability compensation for any current difficulties that are related to their service, including difficulties related to MST.

For more information

• For help with health care and treatment related to MST, please contact your local VA medical center and ask to speak to the MST Coordinator.

• For help with disability compensation related to MST, please contact the MST Coordinator at your local Veterans Benefits Administration Regional Office.

Help stop sexual assault and when it does happen, report it.