Unveiling the Truth: Military Sexual Trauma (MST) & Advocacy

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) remains one of the most underreported and mishandled issues plaguing our armed forces today. In a powerful new episode of Sisters in Service podcast, Navy veteran Jean Ibanez Payne shares her harrowing journey through multiple instances of sexual trauma during her military service, and her subsequent path to healing and advocacy. Her story reveals the systemic failures that continue to leave service members vulnerable and without proper recourse when victimized by their fellow servicemembers.

Jean's experience began shortly after boot camp when she first reported sexual harassment, only to be treated as though she were the offender while her abuser received minimal consequences. This pattern of institutional betrayal continued throughout her service from 1992 to 1996, with Jean ultimately experiencing over 20 instances of unwelcome sexual encounters ranging from harassment to assault. What's particularly disturbing about Jean's account is how the very systems designed to protect servicemembers actively worked against her, with superiors participating in her abuse and other women in positions of authority dismissing her reports.

The long-term impact of MST on veterans cannot be overstated. Jean carried her trauma silently for over 20 years, battling depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation while maintaining an outward appearance of success in her post-military corporate career. This duality—suffering privately while projecting professional accomplishment—is common among MST survivors who often feel they must hide their experiences to avoid judgment or disbelief. As Jean powerfully noted in the interview, "Nobody knew the fight I was fighting," not even her husband of nearly 30 years.

What makes Jean's story particularly important is her journey from victim to advocate. After reaching a breaking point in December 2022, she made the conscious decision to take ownership of her recovery through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. This healing process culminated in writing her memoir "Reclaim Your Worth: A Story of Abuse, Empowerment and Building a Life on My Terms," which she completed in just one month. The book serves both as personal therapy and as a beacon for other survivors, letting them know they should never be ashamed to speak up about their experiences.

Perhaps most significantly, Jean has channeled her experiences into meaningful legislative action. She is currently championing VA House Bill 2520 in the Virginia legislature, which would establish an independent sexual offense prevention and response program within the Virginia Department of Military Affairs. The independence of such an office is crucial, as Jean explains, because investigations are often conducted by individuals who are either offenders themselves or loyal to commanding officers, creating clear conflicts of interest that prevent justice. Despite facing opposition from military officers who have attempted to discredit her work, Jean remains determined to see similar legislation enacted in every state.

The statistics Jean shared during the interview are alarming—a recent Brown University study found approximately 75,000 cases of military sexual abuse, while the Pentagon reported only 29,000. This dramatic underreporting highlights the urgent need for independent oversight and better protection for victims. For those currently suffering from MST, Jean offers practical advice: access VA services (despite their limitations), build a circle of trusted supporters, and most importantly, take ownership of your healing journey. As she powerfully states, "It's never too late to reclaim your worth, but it's important that you do it on your own terms." Her story reminds us all that systemic change begins with individual courage and that speaking truth to power, though difficult, is essential for both personal healing and institutional reform.