Ground-breaking Report Highlights the Impact of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) & Suicidal Ideation Among UK Veterans
/“A DARK SHADOW”
First-Ever UK Study Links Military Sexual Trauma to Suicidal Ideation in Veterans
New research exposes deep institutional failings and calls for urgent systemic reform to protect survivors of in-service sexual violence.
London, 19 March 2025 A Dark Shadow, a landmark report published today by veteran charities Forward Assist and Salute Her UK, reveals for the first time the devastating connection between Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and suicidal ideation in UK veterans. The report, based on in-depth interviews with 30 former service personnel, uncovers a crisis of hidden trauma, systemic neglect, and institutional betrayal that continues to endanger lives long after military service ends.
Executive Summary
• 72% of participants had been medically discharged due to psychological trauma linked to sexual assault during service.
• Nearly 1 in 5 reported attempting suicide; over 20% wished they were dead or felt their loved ones would be better off without them.
• MST survivors face a cascade of harms including PTSD, Complex PTSD, shame, moral injury, addiction, and social exclusion.
• Both men and women reported rape, harassment, and online abuse—often dismissed or mishandled by military authorities.
• Over 90% of incidents went unreported formally, often due to fear, shame, and the absence of trusted care pathways.
• Many veterans described seeking help from the NHS or military services, only to be misdiagnosed or retraumatised by institutional indifference.
“This is the first time I’ve ever spoken about what happened to me when I was a vulnerable boy soldier of 16… It’s been a dark shadow that’s affected my whole life.” – Male veteran and participant
Funded by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs in 2023, this ground-breaking action research project offers direct recommendations for trauma-informed services, veteran-specific care pathways, and recognition of MST as a major risk factor in veteran suicide prevention.
Forward Assist CEO Tony Wright says:
“This report is a rallying cry. We must stop failing survivors. Silence kills.”
MST refers to sexual harassment or sexual assault that occurs during military service, affecting both men and women. Despite the prevalence of such incidents, the UK lacks formal recognition of MST and the necessary care pathways to support survivors. This report seeks to address that gap by shedding light on the profound psychological, emotional, and physical impact of MST.
Key Findings from the Report:
Severe Psychological Impact: Survivors experience complex trauma responses, including PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation, with many reporting that they felt their loved ones would be better off without them.
Institutional Betrayal: Many survivors report feeling abandoned by military institutions that were meant to protect them, exacerbating their trauma.
Social Isolation and Alienation: Victims often experience ostracisation, leading to feelings of loneliness, guilt, and an increased risk of suicide.
Lack of Dedicated Support: The absence of specialised care pathways leaves survivors without adequate medical, emotional, or legal assistance.
Call for Systemic Change: The report underscores the urgent need for sexual trauma-informed screening questions, support services and greater institutional accountability.
Recommendations for Action
The report presents a comprehensive set of recommendations, including:
Confidential Reporting Mechanisms to encourage safe disclosures without fear of reprisal.
Integrated Care Pathways to provide specialised mental health and legal support.
Comprehensive Training for Mental Health Professionals to address the unique needs of MST survivors.
Ongoing Research and Data Collection to inform policy decisions and track MST prevalence.
Awareness Campaigns to dismantle stigma and encourage survivors to seek help.
A Call for Recognition and Change
Despite its prevalence, the term Military Sexual Trauma is not officially recognised by the Ministry of Defence, the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, or the NHS. This lack of recognition perpetuates stigma and hinders access to vital support services. The findings of this report emphasise the urgent need for the UK Government to acknowledge and address MST, ensuring that all veterans receive the care they deserve.
“This report is a call to action. We owe it to our veterans to create a system that supports and protects them, ensuring their service is met with respect, dignity, and care. The findings reveal not only the depth of the problem but also the clear steps we must take to address it.”
A Step Towards a Safer Future
This report serves as a catalyst for change, amplifying the voices of survivors and advocating for systemic improvements to military culture and veteran support networks. Forward Assist remain committed to championing the rights of MST survivors and ensuring they receive the recognition and care they need.
Note: "This research report was funded by the Office for Veterans' Affairs in 2023 as part of an independent research initiative. The views, findings, and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect the policies or positions of the UK Government."
