How did you get on?
Women veterans are at an increased risk of MST during military service.
This is TRUE
Both men and women are at risk of MST during military service however, a greater proportion of women veterans and service personnel report experiencing MST compared to men. Evidence from international studies suggests that women are disproportionately more at risk across the continuum encompassed by MST. Although differing definitions have been used, this broad finding has been found across different militaries including in the United States, Belgium and France. The difference in numbers of men and women who serve in militaries means that the absolute numbers may be similar.
MST can only be perpetrated by someone of a different gender.
This is FALSE
Although there is evidence that suggests MST perpetrated by men against women is the most common, MST can take place involving any gender combination.
MST is a medical diagnosis, just like PTSD or depression.
This is FALSE
MST is not a diagnosis or something an individual ‘has’. It is an umbrella term that typically includes sexual harassment, bullying and assault that takes place between service personnel during military service. In the UK, it is not an officially recognised or statutory term. Some variations in definition exist in the international research literature.
MST is just another term for sexual assault.
This is FALSE
MST is an umbrella term that typically includes sexual harassment, bullying and assault that takes place between service personnel during military service.
