Female American veterans suffer sexual trauma after Iraq and Afghanistan

According to preliminary research results from a new study, almost 15% of female American veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have experienced sexual trauma during their military service.

The study by the Department of Veterans Affairs is based on data from 100,000 veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom who used VA health care and the research revealed that more than one in seven women reported having experienced "military sexual trauma".

The study which covered a six year period, also found that 0.7% of men returning from duty reported military sexual trauma and both females and males, who experienced sexual trauma in the service were more likely to be diagnosed with a mental illness on returning home, than those who did not report such trauma.

The researchers say the trauma, ranged from repeated sexual advances and intimidation to rape and led to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and a propensity for drug abuse.

According to the study the results highlight the importance of the VA's universal screening policy as well as early intervention among veterans who have experienced sexual trauma and VA researcher Joanne Pavao says the policy requires that all male and female veterans are screened for experiences of military sexual trauma and that free treatment for MST-related conditions is provided at all VA health care facilities.

The study was presented at the American Public Health Association's 136th Annual Meeting & Exposition in San Diego.