G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center has been a place of healing and support for the brave men and women who have served in the United States military. It’s a safe haven where they can receive the care and attention they deserve, including those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST).
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As of this month, Jackson VA has accounted for 1,169 reported experiences of MST. These are stories of pain and suffering, but they also represent resilience, strength and the courage to seek help.
To recognize these survivors and bring awareness to the issue, we have displayed over 1,000 white flags with teal ribbons on its lawn throughout April. The flags serve as a powerful visual reminder of the many Veterans and former service members registered at the medical center who have indicated their experience of military sexual trauma.
“We believe you and we believe in you.”
Timiko Williams, MST coordinator, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about MST and supporting survivors. “We believe you and we believe in you. This message is at the core of VA’s efforts to increase public awareness of MST, its impact on survivors and the free MST-related services and support available to them,” Williams said.
It’s important to understand that MST is an experience, not a diagnosis. People can react to MST in many different ways and that survivors are remarkably resilient. Some recover on their own. For many, however, the experience of MST continues to affect their mental and physical health, work, relationships or everyday life—sometimes years after the experience.
VA has committed to supporting survivors of MST, and Jackson VA is no exception. Every VA health care facility has an MST Coordinator, a professional specializing in connecting survivors with the right care and services for them. Outpatient MST-related services are available at every VA health care system, and MST-related counseling services are also available at VA’s community-based Vet Centers.
Military sexual trauma patients can meet with clinician of their choice
For individuals who need more intensive treatment and support, VA offers treatment in residential and inpatient settings. Treatment for physical health conditions related to MST is also available. Individuals can ask to meet with a clinician of a particular gender if that would help them feel more comfortable.
The G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA’s efforts are an essential step toward helping Veterans and former service members heal. For those who have endured the trauma of MST, this support can make all the difference in their journey to recovery.
The facility’s display of white flags with teal ribbons is a powerful symbol of hope, reminding us that there is support available and that we are not alone.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of MST, there are resources available to help. Read more information on the effects of MST.
The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA and the Columbus, Greenville, Hattiesburg, Kosciusko, McComb, Meridian and Natchez VA Clinics are all part of the VA Jackson Health Care System, which is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. We provide a variety of medical outpatient services to more than 54,000 Veterans.
To read more stories on MST, visit Health News – VA News.
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“We believe you,” is the right message. However… someone to hold our hands and talk to us in a safe space is just the beginning. We need justice and accountability. That would help us heal because we would believe in a system that protects us and cares to remove the threat when one of our own guys turns on us.
They believe you only to provide federally subsidized counseling. That is as far as it goes. And if you should get assaulted at the VA, the coverup begins again. Being fat and needing a c-pap will get you better care.
Honestly, Annie, I think it all depends where you get care. I have lived in several states since retiring from AD. In the last ten years I have had great care in some states and horrible, condescending, victim blaming, and forcing religion in other states’ VA hospitals and clinic. However, I am fat with a C-Pap. But I am also a combat amputee and MST survivor… so maybe the fat thing is what actually got me care. Please be mindful that some of us got here because of depression and other injuries. We, all vets, have enough scrutiny and judgement, be one of the team, not against us.
As an Army Veteran of MST which suffers from PTSD, have you considered providing the flag with ribbon for us to fly under our US Flag!
This would help us show solidarity with other veterans/victims.
I see a Psychiatrist for years.
I agree, we need solidarity in this to be recognized.
Awesome idea. Let the world know we exist and are not invisible any longer
My voice matters even though I could never report it I still am suffering.