Over 1,000 white flags with teal ribbons can be seen on the lawn of the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center throughout April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The flags are there to recognize the survivors of military sexual trauma and bring awareness to the issue, according to a VA release. They also serve as a powerful visual reminder of the many veterans and former service members registered at the medical center who have indicated their experience of military sexual trauma.
MST coordinator Timiko Williams emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about MST and supporting survivors.
“We believe you and we believe in you. This message is at the core of VA’s efforts to increase public awareness of MST, its impact on survivors and the free MST-related services and support available to them,” Williams said.
As of this month, Jackson VA has accounted for 1,169 reported experiences of MST.
MST is an experience, not a diagnosis. People can react to MST in many different ways and survivors are remarkably resilient, the release notes. Some recover on their own. For many, however, the experience of MST continues to affect their mental and physical health, work, relationships or everyday life — sometimes years after the experience.
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An MST coordinator can be found at every VA medical facility. Outpatient MST-related services are available at every VA healthcare system and MST-related counseling services are also available at VA’s community-based Vet Centers.
For those who need more intensive treatment and support, VA offers treatment in residential and inpatient settings. Treatment for physical health conditions related to MST is also available. Individuals can ask to meet with a clinician of a particular gender if that would help them feel more comfortable.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of MST, there are resources available to help. Read more about the effects of MST here.
The G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA and the Columbus, Greenville, Hattiesburg, Kosciusko, McComb, Meridian and Natchez VA Clinics are all part of the VA Jackson Health Care System, which is headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi. Together, they provide a variety of medical outpatient services to more than 54,000 veterans.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.
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