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memories . For others , it ’ s an act of self-destruction – a slow suicide in the absence of hope .
INSTITUTIONAL BETRAYAL Many MST survivors describe a sense of institutional betrayal that compounds their trauma . The military , often viewed as a ‘ brotherhood ,’ fails to protect them , and when they report
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survivors remain an overlooked group in recovery services . The consequences of this oversight can be fatal .
Veterans struggling with MST-related alcohol misuse face an increased risk of suicidal ideation . Their pain is compounded by isolation , a lack of targeted mental health interventions , and a drinking
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during their service that continue to affect them . Sometimes , these experiences involve feeling unsafe , being pressured into unwanted situations , or facing harm from those around them . If anything like that has happened to you , I want you to know that you ’ re not alone , and there is support available . Would you like to talk about anything that ’ s been difficult for you ?’
By framing the question in a way that acknowledges common experiences , respects personal boundaries and reinforces available support , professionals can encourage survivors to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment .
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Many MST survivors describe a sense of institutional betrayal that compounds their trauma . The military , often viewed as a ‘ brotherhood ,’ fails to protect them ... |
Tony Wright with The Company of Communicators ’ 2023 Clarity in Charity Communications Award , for Forward Assist ’ s work with women veterans
their assaults they face disbelief , inaction , or even retaliation .
Even after leaving the military , barriers to support persist . Many veterans report being unaware of existing sexual trauma services or finding them unprepared to address the specific needs of men . Some avoid disclosing their experiences entirely , presenting instead with PTSD or alcohol dependency , which are more ‘ acceptable ’ within veteran services . The reluctance of the MOD to acknowledge male MST means there ’ s no dedicated funding , research , or policy change to address the issue . Without proper recognition , survivors remain in the shadows , left to navigate a fragmented system that fails to see them .
DEADLY CONSEQUENCES The link between trauma and substance misuse is welldocumented , yet male MST
culture that discourages vulnerability . Without tailored trauma-informed support , many will continue to spiral into addiction , homelessness , and early death .
One participant in Liquid armour reflected on the impact of alcohol misuse within the MST survivor community :
‘ Watching friends die of alcohol misuse is soul-destroying . As an MST survivor , I know I could be next .’
ASKING THE QUESTION When engaging with veterans who may be struggling with alcohol misuse , it is essential to ask about their experiences with trauma in a sensitive and non-judgmental way . A good practice approach is to use open-ended , trauma-informed questions that create a safe space for disclosure . Instead of asking direct or potentially re-traumatising questions like , ‘ Have you been sexually assaulted ?’ consider a gentler approach along the lines of : ‘ Many veterans I work with have experienced distressing events
SEEING THE INVISIBLE Male MST survivors are not just statistics – they are men who served their country , who were betrayed by their own , and who continue to suffer in silence . The voluntary sector plays a crucial role in advocating for these men , but we cannot do it alone . Until MST is fully acknowledged , resourced , and integrated into recovery and mental health services , we will continue to see
CALL FOR CHANGE
these men drink to forget , to cope , and , ultimately , to die . As social workers and professionals in the voluntary sector , we must amplify their voices , demand policy change , and provide the traumainformed care they deserve . We must ensure that no veteran feels their only option is the bottom of a bottle .
Tony Wright is CEO of Forward Assist
The findings in Liquid armour make it clear : male MST survivors cannot continue to be ignored . There must be urgent action to recognise MST as a critical issue affecting veterans ’ mental health and addiction . Key recommendations include :
• The formal recognition of MST within UK military and veteran support frameworks .
• Increased funding for trauma-informed services specifically for male MST survivors .
• Training for addiction and mental health services to identify and support male MST survivors .
• Awareness campaigns to challenge stigma and encourage survivors to seek help .
• Independent oversight bodies to ensure accountability within the military justice system .
A trauma-informed approach to addiction services must consider MST as a root cause for many veterans ’ substance misuse . The narrative that alcohol is the problem must shift to an understanding that trauma is the driver .
Liquid armour : alcohol use as a response to military sexual trauma available at www . forward-assist . com
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