The Devastating, Enduring Impact of Shame on Military Sexual Trauma Survivors

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a deeply distressing and often life-altering experience that leaves survivors with psychological and emotional scars that can persist for a lifetime. One of the most insidious and enduring effects of MST is shame. Shame is a powerful and pervasive emotion that can profoundly impact survivors, exacerbating their trauma, and hindering their ability to heal and move forward. Over the past seven years Forward Assist has been working with male and female survivors of MST and we continue to raise awareness of the devastating and enduring impact sexual trauma has on survivors and family members, By shedding light on the problem we hope to create a space where we can talk openly about the issue and create pathways to support whilst removing the barriers to veterans coming forward so that specialist support services can help them on their journey toward recovery.

Shame is a complex and multifaceted emotion. It is distinct from guilt, which arises from the belief that one has done something wrong, whereas shame stems from a belief that one is inherently flawed, unworthy, or fundamentally damaged. For military sexual trauma survivors, shame often arises from a distorted perception of self-worth, fueled by the traumatic experience itself and societal stigmatisation of sexual assault. Survivors of military sexual trauma frequently grapple with self-blame and guilt, even when they are in no way responsible for the assault. This self-blame can manifest as thoughts like "I shouldn't have put myself in that situation" or "I should have fought back harder." These feelings compound the trauma and create a sense of unworthiness, perpetuating the cycle of shame. Society, including the armed forces community past and present often places the burden of shame on survivors, questioning their actions, clothing, or choices. This external judgment can exacerbate survivors' feelings of shame, making them reluctant to disclose their trauma or seek support. The fear of being blamed or not being believed further isolates survivors and reinforces their sense of shame. The impact of shame on sexual trauma survivors can be devastating and long-lasting. It affects various aspects of their lives, including their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Shame often leads to the development or exacerbation of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors may struggle with intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares, which are exacerbated by their sense of shame. These mental health challenges can be debilitating and hinder their ability to live fulfilling lives. Shame erodes survivors' self-esteem and self-worth. They may internalise the belief that they are damaged or tainted, making it difficult to form healthy relationships or pursue their goals. The persistent feeling of unworthiness can lead to self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm, as survivors attempt to cope with their overwhelming emotions. Many survivors of sexual trauma isolate themselves as a way to protect themselves from further shame or judgment. They may avoid social situations, withdraw from friends and family, and even become reclusive. This isolation can hinder their ability to access support and prolong their suffering. Shame can have a profound impact on survivors' ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. They may struggle with trust issues, fear of intimacy, and difficulty communicating their needs and boundaries. This can strain both romantic and platonic relationships, leading to further feelings of isolation and inadequacy.

Overcoming the enduring impact of shame for sexual trauma survivors is a complex and challenging journey. However, it is essential to recognize that healing is possible and that survivors can reclaim their lives. Therapy, particularly trauma-focused therapy, is a crucial component of recovery. A trained therapist can help survivors process their trauma, challenge their feelings of shame, and develop coping strategies to manage their emotions and thoughts. Creating a support network is essential for survivors. Joining support groups or connecting with individuals who have had similar experiences can reduce feelings of isolation and provide validation. Knowing that they are not alone can be a powerful step toward healing.Learning to practice self-compassion is a vital aspect of recovery. Survivors must work on challenging and reframing their negative self-beliefs and recognise that they are not defined by their traumatic experiences. Self-compassion can help survivors rebuild their self-esteem and self-worth. The armed forces community must work to destigmatize sexual trauma and shift the blame away from survivors. Public awareness campaigns and education driven by the Office for Veterans Affairs could help reduce the shame associated with military sexual assault, making it easier for MST survivors to come forward and seek help.A really simple step would be to adopt the term Military Sexual Trauma.

The enduring impact of shame on military sexual trauma survivors is a significant barrier to healing and recovery. Shame can have devastating consequences on survivors' mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. However, with the right support, therapy, and self-compassion, survivors can begin to break free from the chains of shame and move toward a brighter future. It is crucial that the military community and its many supporters actively work towards a more compassionate and understanding environment for survivors, where shame is replaced with empathy and support not judgement.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist