Real Men, Real Pain: The Hidden Wound of Male Military Sexual Trauma

Sexual trauma doesn’t discriminate by gender, rank, or duty status. Yet when we talk about Military Sexual Trauma (MST), male survivors are often left out of the conversation.

As a therapist working with veterans and service members, I’ve heard stories that rarely see daylight—stories of men who carry invisible wounds from assaults they never felt safe enough to report. It’s time we bring male MST out of the shadows. Because silence doesn’t protect anyone—it only deepens the pain.

📌 What Is Military Sexual Trauma?

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or harassment experienced during military service. It includes a range of behaviors:

Unwanted sexual advances

Verbal harassment or threats

Being touched or assaulted without consent

Being pressured or coerced into sexual activity

Repeated sexual jokes or innuendos that create a hostile environment

While MST affects all genders, many people are surprised to learn how often men are affected—and how rarely they speak about it.

📊 The Reality for Male Survivors

• According to the VA, about 1 in 50 male veterans report experiencing MST.

• Male survivors may be reluctant to initiate therapeutic care due to stigma, distrust of the military or mental health care, and a desire to avoid reliving their trauma.

• Many male survivors don’t report due to fear of disbelief, retaliation, career damage, or shame around not being able to "fight back."

In a culture that prizes strength, stoicism, and resilience, male survivors are often left wondering:

“Will anyone believe me?” “What does this say about my masculinity?” “Did I do something to deserve this?”

🧠 The Impact of MST on Male Survivors

The psychological and emotional consequences of MST can be severe and long-lasting:

• PTSD: Flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance

• Depression & Anxiety: Isolation, guilt, and hopelessness

• Sexual Dysfunction: Fear of intimacy, performance issues, or identity confusion

• Trust & Relationship Struggles: Difficulty connecting, fear of being vulnerable.

• Moral Injury: Feeling betrayed by peers, leadership, or the institution itself

Survivors may also turn to substance use or high-risk behavior to manage symptoms. Many avoid VA services altogether, either from trauma triggers or a lack of trust.

🛠 Healing Is Possible

Recovery is not linear, but it is possible. Male survivors deserve access to trauma-informed care, safe spaces, and people who believe them.

What’s available through the VA:

• Free MST-related care for veterans (no service-connection required)

• Trauma-focused therapy (EMDR, CPT, CBT)

• Group therapy with other male survivors

• Peer support via Vet Centers

• MST Coordinators in every VA medical center

Other confidential resources:

• SafeHelpline.org – for active-duty survivors

• 1in6.org – male survivor education and online support

• MaleSurvivor.org – healing community and forums

What You Can Do

If you work with veterans, service members, or men in general, keep this in mind:

✅ Normalize talking about sexual trauma—including male experiences.

✅ Listen without judgment or assumptions.

✅ Create gender-inclusive outreach and support materials.

✅ Educate yourself and your team on how MST presents in men.

👥 To Every Male Survivor Reading This

If you experienced sexual trauma during your service, you are not alone.

You are not weak. You are not broken. You are not to blame.

There is no one right way to heal. But support exists, and your story deserves to be honored.