Episode 3: Uncovering the Cost of Silence – What Happens When MST Goes Unspoken

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What is the real cost of silence after Military Sexual Trauma? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, host Dalia—veteran, survivor, and advocate—pulls back the curtain on the hidden impacts of MST that most never hear about: the toll on survivors, their families, military readiness, and the trust we place in those meant to protect us.

Released on April 1st to honor Sexual Assault Awareness Month, this episode explores:

• The mental and emotional weight survivors carry in silence
• The damage done to military units, leadership, and morale
• The overlooked cost to families, friendships, and even how survivors experience love
• The systemic failures survivors still face within VA and military care

Dalia shares how her own experience with PTSD, loss of trust, and healing shaped this podcast—and why reclaiming her voice is part of reclaiming her life.

💥 Don't miss the announcement about her upcoming presentation at the 2025 TAASA Conference in Denton, TX:
“Seeds of Solidarity: Empowering Voices With the Thriving Beyond MST Podcast.”

💙 We see you. We honor you. And we will not stop fighting until there are no more stories like yours. 

🎧 Follow @thrivingbeyondmst to join the conversation and hear stories of resilience, healing, and reform. Linktree-> https://linktr.ee/thrivingbeyondmst_podcast

Subscribe, review, and share—because the silence ends here.
#MilitarySexualTrauma #MSTAwareness #SexualAssaultAwarenessMonth #VeteranVoices #ThrivingBeyondMST #VeteransHelpingVeterans

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS  ***If you are experiencing an emergency, please call. 911**  - VETERANS CRISIS LINE 24/7, Dial 988, then #1 or Text 838255  - Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855- VA-WOMEN  - Caregiver Support 1-855-260-3274  Additional Resources 

1. Make the Connection (www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/ military-sexual-trauma): Make the Connection is a compilation of videos of veterans sharing their experiences with military sexual trauma.  

2. BeyondMST(App)(BeyondMST|VAMobile): BeyondMSTwas designed to help people heal from sexual assault or harassment during military service. 

3. Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN) (www.servicewomensactionnetwork.org): SWAN is the voice of women who have served or are currently serving in the military.  

4. Protect Our Defenders (www.protectourdefenders.com): Protect Our Defenders (POD) Legal Services Program is the only program in the country providing free legal services specifically for survivors of military sexual assault and sexual harassment. 

5. Combat Sexual Assault (www.combatsexualassault.org/aboutus): Our mission is to empower survivors of sexual violence by helping them find their voice and overcome barriers to obtaining justice, all while disrupting the cultural stigma surrounding the disclosures of these crimes. 

6. National Veterans Legal Services Program (www.nvlsp.org): Our goal is to ensure that every MST survivor who qualifies for disability benefits receives the benefits they deserve.  

7. Male Survivor (www.malesurvivor.org): A 501(c)(3), non-profit, public benefit organization committed to preventing, healing, and eliminating all forms of sexual victimization of boys and men.  

8. Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (www.rainn.org): RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.