Understanding the Needs of Military Sexual Trauma Survivors and Barriers to Therapy Attendance and Retention

Military sexual trauma (MST) is defined by the sexual assault or harassment of military personnel. When this occurs, there is a negative impact on survivors' mental health, physical health, and living functions. Additionally, research suggests the interpersonal nature of sexual assault trauma can sometimes lead to difficulties or complications with successful therapy. Therefore, thorough and empirically supported guidelines for treatment of MST are essential. Although there is help available to MST survivors, there is a notable gap between those who could benefit from and those who access these resources. Previous research suggests many MST survivors often avoid starting treatment, drop out of treatment, or wait several years before going get treatment. A literature review will examine current interventions used for veterans at different Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, along with barriers to successful treatment outcomes, engagement, and retention. Analyses of previous research studies and individual case studies suggest a level of perceived mistrust the VA or other organized bodies as a whole due to the nature of the trauma. It would be beneficial to further research how to outreach to survivors to encourage accessing therapy treatments promptly. The VA is responsible for providing both physical and mental health survivors to America's veterans. Early outreach may help regain a level of trust for survivors and the VA to improve veteran survivors' overall attendance and retention therapy.