The Forensic Nurse's Response to Military Sexual Trauma Among LGBTQ Survivors

Military sexual trauma (MST) is prevalent among U.S. armed services members despite efforts to combat it (Castro et al., 2015; Crosbie & Sass, 2017; Moyer, 2021). Reasons for the continued perpetuation of sexual assault in the U.S. armed services are multifaceted and embedded in the military culture. Passive acceptance of sexual violence and lingering effects of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy in the U.S. military are examples of areas where crucial reforms are still needed despite concerted efforts within the military and by the U.S. Congress to address MST (Congressional Research Service, 2021). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, asexual, intersex, and other (LGBTQAI+) individuals may experience human violence at disproportionately higher rates ranging from verbal harassment and stalking to physical assault and sexual battery (Beckman, 2018; Blosnich, 2022; Moyer; Schuyler et al., 2020). This integrative literature review explores best practices among forensic nurses (FNs) who engage in the care of sexual violence survivors, especially military personnel who identify as LGBTQAI+. Findings from a literature search through the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed databases for peer-reviewed articles from psychology, public health, medicine, nursing, and social science are discussed to inform FNs about the most effective strategies for responding therapeutically to MST survivors in the LGBTQIA+ community. We discuss understanding reasons MST survivors might not make a report to authorities, as well as providing empathetic, trauma-informed care, and screening survivors to link them with appropriate resources so they can begin a journey of healing.