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.
Top 11 Unique Resources For MST Victims And Survivors
If you're looking for more to ways to enhance your healing journey, this is the blog post for you!
If you're looking for more to ways to enhance your healing journey, this is the blog post for you!
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.
Pin it!
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!
Join Our Community for Support and Healing
If you're ready to connect with others who understand your journey,
I invite you to join The Advocates of MST.
Inside, you'll find a supportive community of survivors, along with tips, resources, and the latest news from Silenced Voices of MST. Together, we can take steps toward healing and reclaiming our power.
Join us today for support and real conversations—you're not alone in this.
Stay informed on MST-related news, survivor stories, and resources. This week's updates cover new legislation, global MST stories, and recovery from PTSD.