Dr. Brandy Preston-Rivers, a victim advocate and researcher on MST discusses the impact of MST on survivors and the military as a whole and her research on MST and its impact on society. She highlights the biases and challenges faced by survivors when seeking help within the military system. We cover the importance of early counseling and therapy for survivors, as well as the need for trauma-informed medical teams during perinatal care. and correlation between alcohol and MST. Dr. Rivers concludes by offering advice for survivors and acknowledging the work of trauma recovery services.

Takeaways

- Survivors of childhood adverse experiences are more likely to be re-victimized in the military.

- Virtual reality training and guided meditation can be effective tools in raising awareness and promoting empathy for survivors of MST.

- Trauma-informed medical teams are essential during perinatal care to address triggers and provide support for survivors.

- Addressing rape myth acceptance is important in understanding survivors' experiences. \

- The implementation of the Offices of Special Trial Counsel is a step towards addressing MST, but biases within the military system exist still.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Apology for Delayed Episodes

01:10 Guest Introduction: Dr. Brandy Preston-Rivers

04:23 Experiences in Basic Training and Operational Air Force

06:39 Impact of Lackland Scandal on Basic Training

08:51 Sexism and Discrimination in the Military

09:18 Pursuing Education and Becoming a Victim Advocate

19:33 Becoming a Victim Advocate and the Training Involved

22:08 Phasing Out of Victim Advocates and Future Changes

26:07 Deployment Experience as a Victim Advocate

28:30 Pursuing a Doctorate and Research on MST

30:23 The Power of Guided Meditation and Virtual Reality Training

32:14 The Importance of Support Systems for Survivors

35:00 Delayed Realization and Challenges in Reporting MST

39:28 Incompetence and Betrayal by Leadership

41:48 Improving Training Programs and Promoting Empathy

45:13 The Emotional Impact of Sexual Trauma

49:28 Alcohol and Rape Myth Acceptance in MST Incidents

52:43 Biases and Challenges in the Military System

54:00 Empathy and Offender Tendencies in the Military

55:20 Resources and Support for MST Survivors

01:08:55 The Offices of Special Trial Counsel and Potential Challenges

01:12:34 The Importance of Early Counseling and Therapy

01:15:24 Misdiagnosis and Disability Pay for Survivors

01:25:31 Connecting with Gen Z Troops and Supporting Survivors

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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.

If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself or others, please contact 911 or any of the following resources:

Veterans Crisis Line - 988, then press 1

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

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