Julie’s account captures the emotional and institutional aftermath that many survivors face after reporting MST. She describes how peers and leadership turned against her, how she was accused of lying, and how retaliation became the military’s unspoken response to exposure.

Her story exemplifies the isolation survivors endure and the bureaucratic cruelty of an institution that protects perpetrators more readily than it supports victims. Julie’s courage to revisit these events shows the lasting cost of being silenced by those sworn to uphold integrity.

Rachelle draws parallels between Julie’s experience and a pattern documented across branches, showing that retaliation, reputational smearing, and mental health weaponization are not rare but expected outcomes when survivors report.

The episode ends with a message of solidarity for survivors who faced similar betrayals and a call for accountability at every command level.

Full resources and trigger warnings available here: https://www.silencedvoicesmst.com/blog/military-sexual-trauma-julie-sexual-harassment

Episode Resources:

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

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Silence Voices, Stories of MST
• (00:01:53) - Interview with Julie, a former Air Force officer
• (00:03:13) - Julie's decision to join the military
• (00:04:42) - Julie's first duty station in Korea
• (00:07:04) - Experiencing military sexual trauma (MST)
• (00:09:22) - Reporting the incident in Afghanistan
• (00:15:22) - The impact of the MST incident on Julie's mental and emotional well-being
• (00:17:45) - The challenging process of reporting MST
• (00:19:43) - Challenges faced during deployment and the gaslighting experience
• (00:22:50) - The struggle for justice and the involvement of the JAG
• (00:25:40) - Supportive commanders and the impact on Julie's career
• (00:29:50) - Transitioning out of the military and seeking therapy
• (00:32:33) - Coping mechanisms and the importance of writing
• (00:37:09) - Advice for those considering joining the military
• (00:43:02) - The impact of recent changes in military policies on MST
• (00:48:09) - Discussion on the use of e-girls in military recruitment
• (00:50:10) - Reflections and hopes for the person who committed the MST
• (00:51:06) - Acknowledgment of supportive individuals and organizations
• (00:51:30) - The Importance of Information
• (00:52:13) - Acceptance and Self-Worth
• (00:53:00) - Independence and Self-Sufficiency
• (00:53:24) - Gratitude for Support
• (00:54:21) - The Impact of Sharing Stories
• (00:55:19) - Call to Action
• (00:55:47) - Closing Remarks