In the near future, we plan to reintroduce legislation to designate one day each year as Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. This bill was introduced in the 2023-24 legislative session as Senate Bill 924 and had several bipartisan cosponsors.

Over the past several sessions, we have introduced Senate Resolutions designating Military Sexual Trauma Survivor Month and Week. This bill will establish an annual day of recognition and awareness to honor the strength, resolve, and perseverance of military sexual trauma (MST) survivors. We plan to align our legislation with efforts led in Congress by Representative Chrissy Houlahan to recognize MST Awareness Day federally. 

According to VA statistics,1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men report that they experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault during military service when asked by their VA health care provider. Anyone in the military can experience MST, regardless of their age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities or branch of service. MST can occur at any time or place during military service — while on or off duty and on or off base. The psychological impact of the assault and resulting trauma can push survivors out of the service and lead to tremendous difficulty readjusting to their civilian lives.

As with other types of trauma, people can react to MST in many different ways. Although MST can be a life-changing experience, survivors are remarkably resilient. 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.

We must recognize the survivors of MST and raise awareness for the resources available to help them heal. Please join us in supporting all survivors of MST by cosponsoring this legislation.