Female military veterans struggle to get "military sexual trauma" compensation
12-27-2014, 03:14 AM
Recent Washington post article detailing MST.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/f...ml?hpid=z1
http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/f...ml?hpid=z1
Quote:Quote:
The department labels it “military sexual trauma” (MST), covering any unwanted contact, including sexual innuendo, groping and rape.
A recent VA survey found that 1 in 4 women said they experienced sexual harassment or assault.
Quote:Quote:
This year, it became easier for survivors of sexual trauma to get treatment because the government ended the requirement that military members produce proof that they were assaulted or harassed before they get health care.
But advocates say thousands of female veterans confront an even larger problem: They are unable to get disability compensation benefits for sexual trauma because they do not have enough paperwork to support their claims. Advocacy groups and VA officials blame a culture of secrecy and denial inside the military that heavily discourages women from reporting sexual assault.