Top 11 Unique Resources For MST Victims And Survivors
1. The Silenced Voices of MST Podcast
The Silenced Voices Podcast shares personal stories from survivors of Military Sexual Trauma (MST), providing a supportive space where listeners can hear from people just like them. The podcast focuses on healing, empowerment, and reclaiming your voice after trauma, offering actionable steps and a sense of community.
How It Helps You: If you’re looking for real stories and guidance from fellow survivors, this podcast offers a safe space for validation and support.
Where to Get It: Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or visit silencedvoicesmst.com.
2. The War Horse
The War Horse is a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to covering issues that impact the military and veteran community, with a focus on mental health, trauma, and personal stories. They publish investigative reports and first-person essays from veterans, offering a platform for stories of survival and resilience.
How It Helps You: Reading stories from other veterans can help you feel less alone in your experience. Their articles can offer validation and insight into the wider issues surrounding MST in the military.
Where to Get It: Visit thewarhorse.org.
3. Women Veterans Network (WoVeN)
WoVeN offers peer support groups specifically for women veterans, creating a safe and supportive space where women can connect, share experiences, and focus on personal wellness. These groups are either in-person or virtual, and they provide a strong sense of community and belonging.
How It Helps You: If you’re feeling isolated and want to connect with other women who understand your experience, WoVeN’s peer groups can offer the friendship, support, and connection you need.
Where to Get It: Learn more or find a group at wovenwomenvets.org.
4. Veterans Yoga Project
The Veterans Yoga Project offers trauma-sensitive yoga classes designed to help veterans reconnect with their bodies in a safe and healing way. The physical practice of yoga can help manage stress, anxiety, and symptoms related to trauma.
How It Helps You: If you’re looking for a gentle way to heal physically and mentally, their yoga programs are specifically tailored to veterans dealing with trauma, including MST.
Where to Get It: Find local classes or online resources at veteransyogaproject.org.
5. Beyond MST App
Beyond MST App Beyond MST is a free, secure, trauma-sensitive mobile app. 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. Users can also take brief assessments in the app, set self-care goals, track recovery progress, and learn more about MST and common concerns. The app keeps your information private; no account is needed, and any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including the VA.
How It Helps You: You can use the app on your own or as a companion to formal treatment, and it may be helpful to survivors of other types of unwanted sexual experiences, too.
Where to Get It: You can download the app here https://mobile.va.gov/app/beyond-mst.
6. Service Women's Action Network (SWAN)
SWAN is dedicated to improving the lives of servicewomen and women veterans, with a focus on advocating for survivors of MST. They provide peer support, leadership opportunities, and tools for navigating the complex military and veteran systems.
How It Helps You: If you need legal advocacy or are looking for a strong community of women who’ve been in your shoes, SWAN can help you find your voice and get the support you deserve.
Where to Get It: Visit servicewomen.org for more information.
7. Healing Warrior Hearts
Healing Warrior Hearts offers free retreats designed for veterans who have experienced trauma, including MST. These retreats focus on emotional healing through group therapy, creative arts, and wellness practices, all in a peaceful and supportive setting.
How It Helps You: If you’re seeking a more immersive, in-person experience to heal from trauma, this retreat provides a safe space where you can process your emotions and reconnect with yourself.
Where to Get It: Apply for a retreat at healingwarriorhearts.org.
8. Shield of Sisters
Shield of Sisters creates safe spaces where courageous women can share their stories, access vital resources, and transform from surviving to thriving.
How It Helps You: IShield of Sisters believes that we are duty-bound to help our sister service members overcome the weight of Military Sexual Trauma.
Where to Get It: Explore their content at shieldofsisters.org.
9. Pink Berets
Pink Berets offers a variety of mental health and wellness services to female veterans and first responders, including those who have experienced MST. They provide equine therapy, art therapy, mindfulness programs, and more, all designed to help survivors heal in non-traditional ways.
How It Helps You: If you’re looking for alternative therapies to heal your mind and body, Pink Berets offers creative and accessible ways to address your trauma.
Where to Get It: Learn more at thepinkberets.org.
10. Forward Assist
This site offers life-enhancing, totally inclusive, educative, and advocacy-driven research projects that promote inclusion and facilitate the learning of new skills and systemic change.
How It Helps You: All Forward Assists projects and interventions are based upon the core Social Work values of service; social justice, dignity, self-determination, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
Where to Get It: Find more information at https://www.forward-assist.com/.
11. Veterans Crisis Line
For MST survivors in immediate distress, the Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, trained responders are available to provide immediate help.
How It Helps You: If you’re in crisis and need someone to talk to, this resource offers fast, confidential support from responders who understand the unique challenges veterans face.
Where to Get It: Access the line at veteranscrisisline.net or by calling 1-800-273-8255 (press 1).
These 11 resources offer unique support for MST survivors and are designed to help you navigate the complexities of recovery, build community, and find strength. Whether you’re seeking peer support, alternative therapies, or advocacy, these organizations provide tools for healing in meaningful ways. Take the time to explore these options and see which are most helpful to you. Please leave a comment to share how it went!
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