Experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military among OEF/OIF veterans: implications for health care providers.
Given the frequent occurrence and significant health impact of sexual harassment and sexual assault in the military, it is important that for health care providers working with Veterans to have at least some basic knowledge in this area. Targeting providers addressing mental health and psychosocial issues, but also applicable to clinicians working with survivors in a variety of capacities, this article provides an overview of clinical care with survivors of sexual trauma in the military, particularly those who are OEF/OIF Veterans. We cover basic background information, focusing primarily on the impact of sexual trauma in the military, how survivor's reactions are shaped by various aspects of the military context, and general principles to assist clinicians in working effectively with survivors, whatever their role.
Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston HCS, 150 S. Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02130, USA. margret.bell@va.gov
Margret E
ME
Bell
Annemarie
A
Reardon
D055826:Afghan Campaign 2001-; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D015995:Prevalence; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017406:Sexual Harassment / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*