¶ … Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Military Men who are Survivors of Sexual Abuse The therapeutic definition of sexual abuse is based on varied parameters. For a therapist, the perception of a patient that they were abused sexually is the basis of the definition. The person has to recognize the act as an abusive act and so give it that label. The definition is relationship- specific (Binik & Hall, 2014). Women that endorse this label tend to have been through more invasive and chronic sexual behaviors and tend to function less sexually than other people who approve of definitions that are activity-specific (Rellini & Meston, 2007).

MST -- Military Sexual Trauma -- may be a sexual violence act against one military member by another or the response of a survivor psychologically to sexual violence. The United States U.S.) Department of Defense (DOD) does not officially recognize the term MST. However, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs notes that MST is sexual assault or sexual harassment repeatedly meted on the veteran during his or her time as a military officer (Sexual Violence in the Military, 2013). MST encompasses any instance where a person was involved in a sexual activity against their will. This can happen when one is pressured into such activities, or one is not capable of consenting to them, or is physically forced to take part. Other acts that can be included here include sexual grabbing or touching, making remarks about another person's body that are offensive, or making unwelcome sexual advances (Sexual Violence in the Military, 2013).

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An understanding of the number of people affected by MST can guide decision making on the best way of designing and implementing policies, programs and interventions. Good resource allocation is largely dependent on the information gained through research on...

Nonetheless, the counts of sexual assault are probably going to be inaccurate for several reasons, including: lack of clear definition of sexual assault, criteria and methodology for screening, and the reluctance to make reports on the populations affected (Farris, Schell & Tanielian, 2013). While there are social norms in normal society, such norms may be magnified in the military. Behavioral definitions such as selfless duty, loyalty, courage, teamwork, discipline, integrity, and honor are paid more attention to in the military than they are paid attention to in the outside world (DTFSAMS 2009, p.6). Sticking to these standards may assist to alleviate sexual violence. However, unclear messages in the areas of sexual violence during the training of the military officers lower the ability of the service to promote a culture that does not condone inappropriate sexual behavior or sexual violence (DTFSAMS, 2009, P.7). The military emphasis on unit cohesion as well as hierarchical structure may be a deterrent to the abused seeking assistance (DTFSAMS, 2009).
Because MST is not a diagnosis, but represents a stressor, VHA treatment efforts are focused on detection as well as access to care. Veterans reporting MST are treated based on their individual diagnosis or symptoms. Just as is the case with other traumatic stressors, MST could contribute to mental disorders or PTSD. Because of self blame and social stigma, individuals, whether inside or outside the military, seldom disclose that they have been sexually abused unless they have been expressly asked to do so.

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In 2012, as many as 22, 792 service members were involved in attempted (unwanted) sexual activities (DMDC, 2013). Most of the assaults took place in military installations during work hours. Most of the assaults were perpetrated by coworkers,…