I am a retired Army combat veteran and advocate for veterans’ mental health. My service also included work as an advocate and instructor for the Army’s Sexual Harassment Assault Response Prevention (SHARP) Course. That work showed me firsthand how silence can be deadly. Stigma kills—it prevents those in need from seeking the help they deserve, especially among men who’ve survived Military Sexual Trauma (MST). For too long, male MST survivors have suffered in silence, often with tragic results. This connection between Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk cannot be ignored.
But there’s a deeper issue here: the stigma from leaders plays a more significant role in elevating suicide risk than many realize. It’s time we tackle this head-on to address the issue of Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk.
Why Leadership Stigma Raises the Risk
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among service members and veterans, and the risk is even higher for those who’ve experienced trauma. Research shows that male survivors of MST are at greater risk of suicide, and one of the biggest reasons is stigma—both internal and external. The correlation between Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk highlights the urgent need for understanding and action.
Why I Am Speaking
You may wonder why I am raising this issue. I experienced serious trauma in childhood and during military service. I also experienced MST firsthand. Later, I served MST victims and trained advocates who now work in the field. Out of 26 years of military service, four focused on this tragic event that hurts many people. September is also Suicide Awareness Month, making it crucial to discuss Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk.
What the Research Found
A recent study sheds light on this hidden crisis. Researchers examined over 500 male service members and veterans, finding that 13.2% had experienced MST. The findings were sobering. Both self-stigma and anticipated stigma from leaders were linked to higher suicide risk. However, anticipated stigma from leaders had the stronger connection. For many men, the fear of being judged is a more significant barrier to seeking help than their feelings of shame. This study emphasizes the real dangers of Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk for survivors.
This is concerning, as men account for more than 90% of deaths by suicide among military personnel. Stigma not only prevents disclosure of MST but also keeps survivors from getting the support and care they need to heal from trauma. As someone who served 26 years in the Army, I can tell you—this is unacceptable. We must address Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk to protect our veterans.
Leadership Sets the Climate
In the military, leadership plays a critical role in shaping the culture and attitudes of their units. When leaders appear unsupportive or judgmental, survivors are more likely to remain silent. As a result, their suicide risk can rise. The study highlights that those who feared stigma from their leaders had a higher suicide risk, even after controlling for other factors like age, race, marital status, and discharge status. This stigma can follow men after they leave the organization or the military. Seeking help becomes harder. Too many never receive the treatment and resources they need. Therefore, addressing Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk is paramount for effective intervention.
What Leaders Must Change
This tells us that changing the mindset within leadership could be a key to reducing suicide among MST survivors. If leaders openly support help-seeking behaviors and demonstrate empathy, we could see a decrease in both stigma and suicide risk.
The Army and other organizations have campaigns meant to fight this stigma. However, trust was damaged long ago. Too often, these efforts feel like public relations instead of personal leadership.
Some genuinely care, but nobody believes it. The military and its leaders have completely failed for several decades, if not longer. However, I don’t want to focus on that. This isn’t about pointing the finger. It’s about identifying a barrier to reporting and saving lives.
I did not report what happened 24 years ago or again 18 years ago. Yet I knew the system and trained others on reporting options. Later, I briefed generals and evaluated students seeking a national advocate credential. Even then, I did not want to tell Veterans Affairs. Still, disclosure was necessary to receive the care and benefits I had earned. Recognizing the key issues linked to Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk could save lives.
Break the Silence
The findings are clear: stigma—especially from leadership—puts male MST survivors at greater risk of suicide. But there’s hope, I’m optimistic. The first step is awareness. You play a critical role in breaking this cycle if you’re a leader (military or not), mentor, or colleague. It starts with shifting the narrative about sexual trauma, especially men, and removing the stigma around help-seeking. Addressing Military Sexual Trauma and Suicide Risk at its core will require collective action and commitment.
For those who’ve experienced MST, know that you’re not alone. Speaking out can be difficult. I still question whether I should share this here. However, your life is too valuable to let stigma block the help you deserve. If I can speak, you can too. If you’re struggling, reach out. Resources, like the Veterans Affairs and mental health services, are ready to support you. Even those services carry stigma. I have dismissed three mental health providers over the last ten years. I still have not found one I fully relate to, but I keep trying. Keep trying – you are worth it. I believe in you!
Let’s work together to ensure that no one suffers in silence. It’s time for leaders, veterans, and our military family to stand up, support, and fight against the stigma that keeps so many from seeking help. We can create an environment where survivors feel safe, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Do you need someone to talk to? The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
Your life matters. Let’s make sure you know that, and let’s work toward ending this stigma once and for all.
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