BIG VOICE MST | Podcast News Update - March 14
Stay informed on MST-related news, survivor stories, and resources. This week's updates cover new legislation, global MST stories, and recovery from PTSD.
Howdy Madvocates,
A quick reminder that the final part of Brian’s episode is streaming now wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube. I highly recommend to watch or listen if you are struggling while trying to advocate for yourself in health care or trying to get your discharge changed, because this episode has the lessons that Brian has learned from fighting for justice for two decades and what his healthy coping strategies are, . If you have trouble with falling asleep because of anxiety or PTSD, this is the episode for you.
Now on to The BIG VOICE.
Let’s get into the latest Military Sexual Trauma-related news, new MST legislation that affects the MST community, and resources designed to support survivors and advocates like you. I urge practicing self-care while browsing some of these stories, there are trigger warnings for content that may be upsetting. There are also positive stories of recovery and MST survivor resources as well, I didn’t want this to be “doom and gloom’ as if change is not possible.
Change is possible, especially if we stay informed and stay vigilant.
As you know, this problem is not a rare occurrence—there’s a global MST crisis that demands accountability, justice, and care for survivors. The stories from around the world showcase this problem, but it’s a small snowflake on an otherwise huge iceberg of pain, shame, and anger this issue causes. And it’s never one person affected by an assault or harassment. Entire communities feel the ripple effects of this issue, even if they don’t realize it.
Whether you’re here to stay informed, take action, or find resources for yourself or a loved one, this is your space to connect, learn, and advocate for change. Need support? Come find our group on Facebook: The Advocates of MST. We’re here to listen, share, uplift, and create an environment of acceptance without gender restrictions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with MST-related PTSD, depression, or suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. The Veterans Crisis Line is open 24/7—dial 988 and press 1 for confidential support.
New Jersey bill looks to give easier access to mental health drugs
WPIX-TV (U.S. MST related-legislation)
By Jim Vasil
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) — When Krystal Cordero came home from an operation enduring freedom, PTSD followed her along with Military Sexual Trauma, or MST.
“They truly don’t set you up for the violence that you see, the aftermath, the feeling of loneliness, the feeling when you transition out that you no longer have somebody to really talk to,” said Cordero, an Army veteran of Totowa. “I unfortunately had an officer who tried to take advantage of me. He did not succeed but nonetheless, I had to suffer the assault.”
For years after coming home, she endured what many veterans have experienced: having to jump through hoops to get the prescription meds to treat their condition — hoops like step therapy or needing prior authorization.
“It’s almost like you’re dangling a treat in front of them and you’re saying, ‘almost there,’ but not there yet,” said Cordero. “We’re tired of chasing things. We need to be heard.”
Next week in Trenton, lawmakers will discuss a bill that will make it easier for patients with serious mental illnesses like PTSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and others to get the medicine they need – by requiring prescription drug coverage without prior authorization, or step therapy, a method of having patients try a less expensive drug first.
Read the article here: https://pix11.com/news/local-news/new-jersey/new-jersey-bill-looks-to-give-easier-access-to-mental-health-drugs/
Impending Legislation Senate Veterans Affairs Committee
Veterans of Foreign Wars (U.S. MST -related legislation)
Statement by Pat Murray
Draft legislation, Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act
The VFW supports this legislation, particularly its overarching theme of enhanced training for claim processors and reviewers that emphasizes accuracy, completeness, and improved communications throughout the disability claims process. This aspect of the bill is especially compelling by seeking to increase the proficiency of claims processors in recognizing nuanced non-military sources of evidence, eliciting vital information without retraumatizing the survivor, and in correctly processing claims involving military sexual trauma (MST). The annual focused reviews should validate (or refute) the effectiveness of the training. Emphasizing their importance, these reviews will continue until claim processors for MST-related claims achieve a 95 percent accuracy rate for five consecutive years. Additionally, the VFW concurs with VA’s aggressive outreach campaign pertaining to various facets of MST reporting and claim adjudication. However, we doubt VA’s ability to achieve its laudable goal of providing MST claims information to disenrolled service academy students from the last 80 years unless Congress substantially resources VA for this purpose. Lastly, the VFW concurs with VA’s updated definition of MST that includes trauma involving online or other technological communications
See the draft legislation here: https://www.vfw.org/advocacy/national-legislative-service/congressional-testimony/2025/3/pending-legislation-svac
Defence Force sexual assault prevention team's future uncertain
Radio New Zealand (New Zealand MST News)
By Rachel Helyer Donaldson
The Defence Force insists it remains committed to preventing harmful sexual behaviour in its ranks, despite putting its entire Sexual Assault Prevention Response Advisor (SAPRA) team on notice.
It is understood that the team, who were brought in as part of an action plan to eliminate inappropriate sexual behaviour, were told last week that they could be made redundant, following a consultation period.
An NZDF spokesperson confirmed the Defence Force would be starting a consultation process with staff and unions on "proposals for change across its civilian workforce" from Thursday, 20 March.
Read the article here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/544938/defence-force-sexual-assault-prevention-team-s-future-uncertain
Trump, Hollywood, and How We Fail Latinas in the Military
LatinaMedia.co
By Denise Zubizarreta (U.S. MST News)
Pin it!
As a Navy veteran, I know firsthand what it’s like to serve in a system that doesn’t always see you, protect you, or uplift you. I’ve seen how Latinas in the military have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition. So when I saw that Trump fired Admiral Linda Fagan, the first woman to ever lead a branch of the U.S. military, I knew exactly what that meant.
This wasn’t just a political move. This was a message. And if we don’t take that message seriously, we’re in trouble.
The U.S. military has never been an easy place for women, especially Latinas. We’ve been here since World War II, shoved into support roles, denied leadership opportunities, and left out of the history books. The military loves to use our labor – but when it comes to promotions, recognition, or safety? We’re an afterthought.
We know the stats: Latinas are overrepresented in lower ranks and underrepresented in leadership. We’re more likely to face sexual harassment and discrimination (unfortunately, they removed the study on the DOD website delineating this!). We’re less likely to be promoted compared to our white male counterparts. And now? With federal DEI programs being gutted, the little progress we’ve made is about to disappear.
Read the article here: https://latinamedia.co/latinas-in-the-military/
One veteran’s path to healing from trauma
Department of Veterans Affairs - Audacy (U.S. MST News)
Army veteran Candace Decker describes herself as “being in a very dark place” before she connected with Pacific Islands VA.
She had experienced military sexual trauma while she was active duty and even after she left the Army, she continued to have night terrors and other issues.
At first, she didn’t think VA had programs that she would find helpful.
“I connected with the iVET Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program first. They helped me to connect with other programs that could get me help that I needed,” she said.
When Decker first connected with the VA, she had terrible problems with her digestive tract from eating things that she didn’t realize were causing inflammation and from taking pills for pain. With the help of VA doctors, she was able to change her diet. She was also able to discover triggers for her headaches.
Read the article: https://www.audacy.com/connectingvets/get-help/mental-health/one-veterans-path-to-healing-from-trauma
PGA Tour player Billy Horschel visits with Panama City Beach veteran and service dog
PanamaCity News Herald (U.S. MST News)
By DeonTay Smith
On Wednesday, eight-time PGA Tour winner Billy Horschel surprised a Panama City Beach Air Force veteran, Joey Pate, and his K9s For Warriors service dog, Roscoe, at The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Horschel and the Horschel Family Foundation are helping K9s For Warriors raise awareness of veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.
According to a press release, the Horschel Family Foundation sponsored Roscoe’s service dog training in 2024, and the pair graduated from K9s For Warriors in November.
On average, 20 veterans a day take their own lives. K9s for Warriors is determined to end veteran suicide by providing trained service dogs to veterans.
Pate and Roscoe have been paired for nearly five months.
Read the article here: https://www.newsherald.com/story/news/local/2025/03/13/panama-city-beach-florida-veteran-helped-by-pga-tours-billy-horschel/82372724007/
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Sen. Moran Urges GAO to Investigate Ways to Support VA Employees Responsible for Processing Military Sexual Trauma Claims
U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs (U.S. MST-related legislation)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs – called on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to investigate how the Department of Veterans Affairs can better train and support employees responsible for processing disability compensation claims for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST).
To improve the timeliness of processing MST claims, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) initially created specialized teams of employees in each VBA regional office. However, in 2022, VA consolidated all MST claims processing to the regional office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, while dedicating “surge sites” at other regional offices, as needed, to meet increased workload demands for MST claims.
Recent committee oversight has identified concerns regarding insufficient training and a lack of support for the VBA employees in San Juan and the surge sites – many of whom are veterans themselves – responsible for processing MST claims.
Read the press release: https://www.veterans.senate.gov/2025/3/sen-moran-urges-gao-to-investigate-ways-to-support-va-employees-responsible-for-processing-military-sexual-trauma-claims
Keep Marching Forward: The ongoing battle for women veterans
The Big Smoke (Australia MST News)
By Llani “LJ” Kennealy
Last Saturday was International Women’s Day—a day which consistently reminds us that progress is not inevitable. It is fought for, step by step, voice by voice.
The theme for 2025, Keep Marching Forward, especially resonated deeply for women veterans, who continue to push for equity, respect, and systemic change in the wake of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide.
The commission has exposed long-standing cultural and structural barriers that have disproportionately affected women in service. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that this results in meaningful reform, not just rhetoric. The fight for women veterans’ rights is ongoing, and it is one for which we must continue to march forward in unison.
The findings of the Royal Commission have once again exposed deeply-rooted issues, including gender-based discrimination, alarming levels of sexual trauma, and lack of career progression. These systemic challenges (including holding to account perpetrators of unacceptable behaviour) have contributed to poor mental health outcomes for many women in Defence.
Read the article here: https://thebigsmoke.com.au/2025/03/14/keep-marching-forward-the-ongoing-battle-for-women-veterans/
More sexual abuse complaints filed against Coast Guard, service now faces $290M in claims
Stars & Stripes (U.S. MST News)
By Gary Warner
🔔 (trigger warning, graphic details of assaults in article)🔔
Seven more former U.S. Coast Guard cadets filed claims that they were victims of sexual abuse at the service’s academy, the latest round of complaints tied to the Fouled Anchor scandal.
The Coast Guard now faces $290 million in claims from the sexual assault scandal at its academy in New London, Conn. The administrative complaints were filed Thursday under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the first legal step in initiating a civil lawsuit against the federal government.
The new filings bring the total to 29 cadets and prospective cadets who have filed complaints, according to Christine Dunn, an attorney with the Washington, D.C., law firm Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, which is representing the cadets.
The legal complaints follow a year of scrutiny for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy that began with the revelation that the service concealed a report that found academy officials had routinely mishandled reports of sexual assault among cadets. The report, known as Operation Fouled Anchor, was the result of a six-year internal review of 102 reports of sexual assault and harassment cases at the academy between 1990 and 2006.
Read the article here: https://www.stripes.com/branches/coast_guard/2025-03-13/coast-guard-sexual-assault-fouled-anchor-17131851.html
Army women reveal abuse as former minister admits 'colossal failure'
SkyNews (U.K. MST News)
By Becky Johnson, social affairs correspondent, Rebecca Spencer, specialist producer
Warning: This article contains material some readers may find distressing
Jane* served in the British Army for almost 20 years. It was a career she loved and excelled in, rising through the ranks. But then, she says, it ended when a colleague r*ped her.
She breaks down as she recalls the night out, almost six years ago.
Jane reported the attack to the Royal Military Police but days later was called into a meeting with officers in her chain of command and accused of flirting with men and drinking too much. Later, she discovered messages they had exchanged calling her a whore.
The military police investigated, but the case never made it to court martial, where military trials are heard - she was told there was an unrealistic chance of conviction.
Her case formed part of a legal process to try to force the previous government to transfer rape investigations in the armed forces to civilian courts, but the change was voted down in parliament.
Now, a high-profile former defence minister, and veteran, who failed to back the move has admitted he got it wrong.
Read the article here: https://news.sky.com/story/army-women-reveal-abuse-as-former-minister-admits-colossal-failure-13325673
Fort Cavazos warrant officer charged with sexual assault of a child, domestic abuse
Killeen Daily Herald (U.S. MST News)
By Brent Johnson
🔔 (trigger warning, graphic details in article’s
description of charge sheet and victims’ injuries)🔔
A soldier assigned to Fort Cavazos was arraigned in a post courtroom last week on charges of physically abusing his wife and children, sexually assaulting a child, disobeying a lawful order by a superior officer and obstruction of justice.
Warrant Officer 1 Jonathan Mateo, an officer with 1st Cavalry Division, is accused of a string of offenses against family members dating back to mid-2018, according to a redacted charge sheet released by the Army Office of Special Trial Counsel. The alleged incidents took place both at Fort Cavazos and Fort Huachaca, a small Army post in southern Arizona.
Read the article here: https://kdhnews.com/military/fort-cavazos-warrant-officer-charged-with-sexual-assault-of-a-child-domestic-abuse/article_4d68253a-0071-11f0-ad76-8f5124c7dbd0.html
Rachelle’s Take: Personally, I’m elated to see the legislation out there to improve the quailty of life for veterans who have been through so much turmoil trying to navigate lief after MST. There is hope and beauty in knowing that many of us are out here, fighting and advocating for complete strangers, because we are bonded by service and the pain caused by it.
How can we advocate for these changes together?
Leave a comment below with your ideas!
Yes, these stories are difficult to read, but MST survivors know that it’s even more painful to live in then re-live for the rest of our lives. MST is a crisis that affects service members and veterans across the globe, and the best way to demand change is by refusing to stay silent and call for accountability. Too many have been forced to endure their pain in isolation and shame.
Survivors deserve justice, accountability, and relentless support—not just in the United States, but worldwide.
Also, before we go, I wanted to share that we have a new playlist on YouTube! It’s called “The MSTea” because I’ll be spilling the tea with breakdowns of previous high visibility MST scandals, analysis of current legislation and yes, even politics, because they affect us. If you’re not subscribed to our YouTube channel, click here. Why I’m excited about this: As a Public Affairs officer, I never got to be snarky or sarcastic and point out the obvious hypocrisy of many actions taken that were supposedly supposed to support our military or veteran community. Now, the gloves are off.
Stay informed on MST-related news, survivor stories, and resources. This week's updates cover new legislation, global MST stories, and recovery from PTSD.