one click can expose the truth about military sexual assault
and Military Sexual Trauma
Tell Congress to hold the military leaders accountable for all forms of Military Sexual Trauma.
What is Military Sexual Trauma?
Military Sexual Trauma is sexual assault or repeated sexual harassment experienced during military service.
The Department of Veterans Affairs defines MST as any sexual activity against a service member’s will during duty hours or off duty.
Does the VA provide disability benefits for MST?
Yes. Veterans who experience Military Sexual Trauma can file a VA disability claim. The VA accepts nontraditional evidence and supports MST-related PTSD, depression, and anxiety claims.
How does Rachelle Smith help MST survivors?
Rachelle Smith provides the VA Disability Toolkit and the Contact Your Lawmaker Toolkit to support Military Sexual Trauma survivors navigating the VA and Congress. She leads The Advocates of MST, a private Facebook support group, publishes guided journals for trauma recovery, licenses the Event Journals program, speaks publicly on MST and institutional failure, and is launching The War Room for coordinated survivor advocacy.
Can I file a VA claim for Military Sexual Trauma?
Yes. You can submit a VA claim for MST without direct documentation if you provide credible supporting evidence. This includes personal statements, medical records, or witness letters.
Where can I get help filing an MST claim?
Use the free VA Disability Toolkit. It helps survivors document trauma, track VA claim for MST, and organize every detail for a stronger claim..
The term ‘military sexual trauma’ refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. Military sexual trauma can happen to anyone.
—United States Department of Veterans Affairs
https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/
You’re not alone
in facing Military Sexual Trauma.
This is where survivors of military sexual assault and Military Sexual Trauma come to be seen, supported, and heard on our terms.
We share the stories the system ignored, offer tools to fight back, and build community around healing and supporting each other.
What is The Silenced Voices of MST?
The Silenced Voices of MST is a survivor-built platform that investigates Military Sexual Trauma in all its forms, from harassment and assault to trafficking, retaliation, and coverups. We help survivors navigate the ups and downs of healing, find the words to hold institutions accountable, and bring visibility and support to a community that knows what it is to be silenced because of the truth.
Who is behind The Silenced Voices of MST?
I built this after struggling in silence and searching for answers. When I finally found care that helped, I realized my story wasn’t unique. Too many Military Sexual Trauma survivors are dismissed, re-traumatized, or forced to navigate broken systems alone. This platform exists to change that.
Meet the survivor behind the mic.
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It all began after realizing I wasn’t alone. After years of struggling, I finally found a doctor who listened and a treatment that helped me manage my severe depression and PTSD. With real healing came clarity. I knew what had to happen next: visibility, support, and accountability for Military Sexual Trauma survivors worldwide. That’s when I created The Silenced Voices of MST to help this long-ignored community document their truth, speak out, and fight for future service members.
Hear Firsthand Accounts of Military Sexual Trauma
These stories document the trauma, survival, and resistance that define the lived experience of MST..
Accessibility Note
We’re working on content notes and episode-level trigger warnings so you can listen safely, on your own terms. In the meantime, you can check our blog for updates.
Why we’re speaking out
Sometimes people reach out. Sometimes they don't.
But these messages made us understand how important this show and its community can be in another person's life.
A Facebook message received February 2024
A review on Apple Podcasts
A comment left on YouTube
A comment from LinkedIn
A review left on Apple Podcasts
Where to Turn if You're Unsure
About Military Sexual Trauma
You’re not alone, and you don’t need to share your story to get help. Whether you’re just beginning to name what happened or have carried the weight of Military Sexual Trauma for years, these tools offer structure, support, and connection.
Things That Might Help:
Get the VA Claim Toolkit
A free resource built to help organize the claim process with tips and tricks from those in the know.Listen to the Podcast
Find out the truth from real survivors who, like you, thought they were the only one.Connect With Survivors
Our private Facebook group is a quiet space to be you, and need someone to talk to without having to explain your Survivor Origin Story.
Need to reach out privately?
email: info@silencedvoicesmst.com
phone: (407) 308-5182
Follow the podcast: Spotify | Apple | YouTube
Join the community: The Advocates of MST
Built by a survivor for the ones still trying to figure it out.