Military Sexual Trauma Increases Risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Thereby Amplifying the Possibility of Suicidal Ideation and Cardiovascular Disease
Nancy Lutwak, MD; Curt Dill, MD
VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY.
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-12-00427
Military sexual trauma (MST) is a form of high betrayal trauma resulting in long-lasting physical and psychological problems. It is of major concern and must be a focus of all health care providers caring for Veterans. It is an issue requiring substantial resources, sensitivity, and compassion to ensure victims the proper requisite treatment. The victims of this abuse often times suffer from guilt, fear, anger, and shame. It creates a sense of sadness, loneliness, and anguish in many. Often sexual assault survivors are reluctant to discuss this experience because of the pain that emerges and the worry that they will be blamed or accused, thus becoming victims again.
The incidence of MST among female Veterans has been reported to be as high as 40%. The accurate number is uncertain, however, since MST is known to be underreported. What is certain, however, is that this form of high betrayal trauma results in several negative consequences.1
It is clear that MST is a form of high betrayal trauma, meaning trauma in which depended-upon-for-survival individuals harm or violate a dependent person, thus breaking the social agreement of trust. The victim of the harm, who is in a dependent position, is unable to confront or break ties with the perpetrator of the violation. This damages the victim's well-being, self-concept, relationships, and view of the world. The dependent victim experiences a trauma where expectations and reality are incongruous. Because the victim is in a dependent position, escape is impossible and more violations may occur.2 Because MST is a form of high betrayal trauma, it results in significant devastating long-term consequences and profound anguish in the victims.1,2...
