What it means
A term used by the US Department of Veterans Affairs for sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced while serving in the military. It can affect people of any gender and is linked with later depression, post-traumatic stress disorderpohst-truh-MAT-ik STRES dis-OR-derA mental health condition that develops after a person lives through or sees a terrifying event.Full entry and substance use. The VA screens every veteran for it and offers free care.
For the nurse
Use a trauma-informed approach: ask privately, explain each step of an exam, and give the client choice and control.
At a glance
| Also written | military sexual trauma |
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Related terms
post-traumatic stress disorder
A mental health condition that develops after a person lives through or sees a terrifying event.