April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and a good time to highlight resources available.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men report experiencing some form of military sexual trauma (MST) in their lifetime.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), an annual campaign observed to raise public awareness about sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment, educate communities on prevention strategies and support survivors.
But throughout the year, VA offers a variety of resources and treatment for victims of MST. Access VA’s resources here.
Every VA health-care facility has an MST Coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related issues and who can assist with accessing care. For questions about treatment and health care options related to MST, contact the VHA MST Coordinator nearest you.
MST-related outpatient services are available at every VA medical center and many VA community-based outpatient clinics. Mental health services include psychological assessment and evaluation, medication evaluation and treatment, and individual and group psychotherapy.
VA’s website also provides coping strategies, resources and stories of recovery. And VA also has developed a mobile app, Beyond MST, which is free, secure and trauma-sensitive, and was created specifically to support the health and well-being of survivors of military sexual trauma.
The app has over 30 specialized tools and other features to help those who use it cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life and find hope.
Get more info and download the app here.
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) – the central authority charged with preventing sexual assault in the military and facilitating recovery for warfighters – also has a Safe Helpline. It’s the sole secure, confidential, and anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.
All Safe Helpline services are anonymous, confidential and tailored to support members of the DoD community and their loved ones affected by sexual assault.
A Safe Helpline mobile app is available via both the Apple Store and through Google Play.
SAPRO’s 2025 Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month theme is “STEP FORWARD. Prevent. Report. Advocate.” The STEP FORWARD campaign is a call to action for all individuals to use their personal and collective strength to advance meaningful change in preventing and responding to sexual violence.
- Veterans Healthcare