Julie Breaks her Silence on Sexual Harassment

The Silenced Voices of MST

Summary

This episode features an interview with Julie, a former Air Force officer who experienced military sexual trauma (MST). Julie shares her journey from joining the military to reporting the incidents of harassment she faced. The interview highlights the challenges Julie faced during the reporting process, including the lack of support from the military justice system. Julie shares the impact of MST on her mental and emotional well-being and the importance of therapy and coping mechanisms. The episode concludes with acknowledgments of supportive individuals and organizations. In this episode, Julie shares her experiences with dating after surviving MST. Julie emphasizes the value of independence and self-sufficiency, while also expressing gratitude for the support she received.

Takeaways

• Reporting MST can be a challenging and traumatic process, often involving gaslighting and lack of support from the military justice system.
• Therapy and coping mechanisms, such as writing and engaging in activities that bring joy, can be helpful in healing and managing the effects of MST.
• Recent changes in military policies, such as the addition of sexual harassment as a chargeable offense, aim to address and prevent MST.
• Acceptance and self-worth are important in overcoming the challenges of dating after MST.
• Support from others, both in personal relationships and professional networks, is invaluable for survivors.
• Sharing stories can have a profound impact on survivors and create a sense of community and understanding.

Julie's Books:

The Myth of Adulting: Everyone's Just Winging It: https://a.co/d/3xVOEHw

Letters from Future Me: https://a.co/d/8UBQWFM

Organizations:

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic - https://www.endeavors.org/cohen-clinic-san-antonio/

Anxiety Guys - https://anxietyguys.com/

Episode Feedback Survey - https://forms.gle/8XtdkmuhmQZQ1UYX7

No material on this podcast is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice.

Suicide Prevention Hotline - 988

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

NAMI - 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Intro and Outro by Rich Culbreath - https://www.facebook.com/Lyricist4Lyfe

Podcast Mentor Benter Oluoch - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benter-oluoch-ba944a179/

Marketing Advisor Rex Seaton - https://www.instagram.com/rexseaton