BIG VOICE MST | Podcast News Update - February 19th
Hi Madvocates, we’re back after a very long break. It’s time to share some updates with the podcast as well as news about MST and our community of victims, advocates, and survivors.
Hi Madvocates, we’re back after a very long bresk. My apologies, I was quite ill for a long time. I had Covid, then an Upper Respiratory infection, the Covid again! Then my super intelligent self decided that getting the flu and Covid vaccine afterward was a great idea. Spoiler alert: It was not!
We are back though, and it time to share some updates with the podcast as well as news about MST and our community of victims, advocates, and survivors.
Our next episode will be starting on February 25, 2025. Our guest is named Brian, and he’s a former U.S. Marine Corps Infantryman. In the clip below, he shares the surreal experience of finding the GQ Article: https://www.gq.com/story/male-rape-in-the-military
So, another thing to bring up is The BIG VOICE. I wanted to bring that back, but with my schedule, adding another set of videos would not be feasible. But blog posts are! So I’ll be sharing a few news stories once a week to update the community on big news concerning MST globally, progress in accountability, and keeping an eye on how the new administration’s changes will affect us.
Soldier's tragic inquest sees more than 1,000 military women share stories of rape, abuse and harassment - as Army chief tells senior officers to 'step up'
Daily Mail UK
By Noor Qurashi and Andy Dolan
The head of the Army has written to senior officers condemning 'shameful behaviour' after more than 1,000 women shared stories following the suicide of a teenage soldier.
In a letter seen by MailOnline, General Sir Roly Walker said he was 'disgusted' by new allegations of sexual abuse and that the behaviour does not match 'our values and standards'.
It comes amid an inquest into the death of Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, who was tragically found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15 2021.
She had previously complained about the behaviour of a senior colleague who 'pinned her down and tried to kiss her' as well as another 'psychotic and possessive' male colleague who she feared had hacked her phone.
An Army service inquiry report published in October 2023 said it was 'almost certain' an 'intense period of unwelcome behaviour' had been a causal factor in the teenager's death.
Now, hundreds of women have shared stories of being raped, abused and harassed while serving in the military as the inquest into Gunner Beck's death continues.
Posts uploaded anonymously to social media include allegations of women being pinned to the floor by male officers as well as reports of men trying to force their way into their female colleagues' rooms.
Read the article here: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14411121/soldier-inquest-100s-women-stories-sex-abuse.html
Soldiers Who Are Domestic Violence Victims
Psychology Today
By Lisa Aronson Fontes Ph.D. and co-authored with Rachel Arment, JD
No one welcomes or invites domestic abuse. Certain life experiences may make a person less likely to recognize it. Our experience suggests that military training, along with childhood abuse, may prime people to suffer intimate partner abuse in silence.
“I can see how a military background, where their intention is to break you down, set me up to accept life with my husband. In bootcamp and as an enlisted person in the army, mistreatment was normal. I was expected to perform well under stress and duress. I did not have much of my identity or self-worth left. When I got together with my abuser, I felt a lot of pride and identity in helping him and his kids. I cooked elaborate meals, made his place into a home, and kept his house clean. I sucked it up when he was nasty, demanding, and unkind.” –A former military service member who became a victim of domestic abuse
Enlistees are generally quite young when they join the military. Their training and early service may be their first job, their first time away from home, and their first time out of the United States, if they ship out. These new experiences come with the expectation of total dedication. Employment is contracted rather than at will. Someone who is kicked out or who chooses to resign is seen as failing in the core values.
Read the article: https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/invisible-chains/202502/soldiers-who-are-domestic-violence-victims
Lawmakers want answers on DoD’s pause on sexual assault training
Federal News Network
By Michele Sandiford
House Democrats are pressing the Defense Department about the military services pausing sexual assault prevention and response training programs. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers said the decision is “not only irresponsible but also dangerous.” The lawmakers also said the law requires providing this training to incoming service members, civilian employees, first responders and staff directly supporting victims. At least some military branches have paused the program as the Defense Department works to comply with President Donald Trump’s executive order banning all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the government.
Read the SAPR Oversight Letter: https://sarajacobs.house.gov/imo/media/doc/sapr_oversight_letter.pdf
Read the article: https://federalnewsnetwork.com/federal-newscast/2025/02/lawmakers-want-answers-on-dods-pause-on-sexual-assault-training/
Alright, that’s our post. Please feel free to share the clip, and tune in on February 25, 2025.
Manage Your Triggers With This One Easy Trick
For survivors of military sexual trauma or those currently in the middle of a traumatic experience, managing anxiety or feeling completely overwhelmed is especially crucial. Finding effective ways to cope with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and the aftermath of MST is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. One simple yet powerful method is mindful breathing.
In today’s fast-paced overwhelming world, stress and anxiety have become common experiences for many people. For survivors of military sexual trauma or those currently in the middle of a traumatic experience, managing these feelings is especially crucial. Finding effective ways to cope with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and the aftermath of MST is essential for maintaining mental and physical health. One simple yet powerful method is mindful breathing. The 5-second inhale, 5-second hold, 5-second exhale technique, often referred to as box breathing, is a proven approach to calming the mind and body. This blog post explores the science behind this breathing technique, its numerous benefits, and practical steps for incorporating it into your daily routine.
The Science Behind Breathing Techniques
Breathing is an automatic process that sustains life, but conscious breathing can significantly impact our overall well-being. The 5-5-5 technique involves inhaling for five seconds, holding the breath for five seconds, and exhaling for five seconds. This method is rooted in ancient practices like yoga and meditation, which emphasize the importance of breath control.
For individuals who have experienced MST, anxiety and PTSD symptoms can be overwhelming and debilitating. The 5-5-5 breathing technique engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to counteract the 'fight or flight' response often triggered by trauma. By regulating your breath, you can lower your heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and promote a state of relaxation, which is crucial for those recovering from traumatic experiences.
Benefits of the 5-5-5 Breathing Technique for MST Survivors
1. Reduces Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms: Survivors of MST often experience heightened anxiety and PTSD symptoms. The 5-5-5 technique encourages deep, slow breaths that signal the brain to relax, helping to alleviate these symptoms and create a sense of calm.
2. Improves Focus and Concentration: Trauma can affect cognitive functions, making it hard to concentrate. By slowing down your breath, you can enhance your ability to stay focused and grounded, particularly in high-pressure situations.
3. Promotes Emotional Regulation: Controlled breathing can help manage intense emotions by reducing the severity of negative feelings. It provides a moment to pause, reflect, and respond rather than react impulsively to triggers.
4. Enhances Sleep Quality: Many MST survivors struggle with insomnia or disrupted sleep. Practicing mindful breathing before bedtime can prepare your body for rest, improving the quality of your sleep and helping to combat insomnia.
5. Boosts Physical Health: Consistent practice of deep breathing can improve lung capacity, enhance cardiovascular health, and strengthen the immune system, all of which are beneficial for overall recovery and well-being.
How to Practice the 5-5-5 Breathing Technique
Incorporating the 5-5-5 breathing technique into your daily routine is simple and requires no special equipment. Here’s how you can start:
1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position with your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Close your eyes to minimize distractions.
2. Inhale: Slowly inhale through your nose for a count of five. Focus on filling your lungs completely, feeling your chest and abdomen expand.
3. Hold: Hold your breath for a count of five. Use this moment to center your thoughts and stay present.
4. Exhale: Slowly exhale through your mouth for a count of five. Feel the tension leaving your body with each breath.
5. Repeat: Continue this cycle for several minutes. Aim to practice for at least five minutes initially, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable with the technique.
Incorporating Breathing Techniques into Daily Life
Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of the 5-5-5 breathing technique. Here are some tips to help you integrate this practice into your daily routine:
- Start Your Day: Begin your morning with a few minutes of mindful breathing to set a calm and focused tone for the day.
- Take Breaks: Use this technique during breaks at work or throughout the day to reduce stress and maintain clarity.
- Before Bed: Incorporate the 5-5-5 technique into your nighttime routine to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
- During Triggers: Whenever you feel anxious or triggered, use this breathing method to ground yourself and regain control over your emotions.
Mindful breathing, particularly the 5-second inhale, 5-second hold, 5-second exhale technique, offers a simple yet effective way to manage anxiety, PTSD, and other symptoms related to MST. By incorporating this practice into your daily life, you can enhance your mental and physical well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life. Remember, healing is a journey, and every breath you take mindfully brings you one step closer to reclaiming your peace and strength.
If you found this technique helpful, consider subscribing to "The Silenced Voices of MST" podcast for more insights and practical tips on managing MST-related symptoms.
Have you tried the 5-5-5 breathing technique? How did it affect your anxiety or PTSD symptoms? Your story will inspire others on their path to healing! Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below – how has mindful breathing impacted your recovery journey?