Military Sexual Trauma of Female Veterans in Michigan Study

Description of the Study

This study is being conducted by Michigan State University PhD student Makayla Burden and is funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). Makayla has her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, has training and prior experience conducting research on sexual violence, and is a military spouse.

The goal of this study is to understand military sexual trauma (MST) experiences of female veterans currently living in Michigan. MST is sexual harassment or sexual assault experienced during military service. Importantly, the identity or characteristics of the perpetrator (e.g., civilian, service member, spouse) or the victim-survivor (e.g., sex, gender), if the servicemember was on or off duty, and if the incident occurred on military property does not matter in this designation. In other words, all sexual harassment and sexual assault is considered MST if the victim-survivor was serving in the military at the time of the incident.

The study includes two parts: an online survey and an optional virtual interview. The survey will take approximately 45 minutes. The optional interview will take place virtually using an audio/video software (e.g., Zoom, FaceTime, Teams). The interview will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Your participation will be completely confidential.

The risks of participating in this study are minimal, however, participants may experience emotional and/or psychological distress in answering questions and discussing MST. While you may not directly benefit from this study, your participation will provide much needed insight into the sexual violence experienced by female service members and what the State of Michigan can do for victim-survivors. Additionally, your participation will be compensated with a $15 e-gift card for the online survey portion and $40 e-gift card for the optional interview portion. You will receive a link to Tremendous, where you will be able to select a gift card from over 2,000 options, within 1-2 business days of completing each portion.

 

Participate in the Study

If you would like to participate, start by taking this quick, 4-question, screening survey to confirm your eligibility. If you are eligible to participate, you will automatically receive the link to the survey. Your participation will be completely confidential.

Link: https://msu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3fsbGyxRTzzh47c

 

Contact Information

Makayla Burden, ABD
Email: burdenm@msu.edu
Office Phone: 517-432-1717
MSU Mailing Address: 138 Baker Hall 655 Auditorium Rd. East Lansing, MI 48824

Chris Melde, Ph.D.
Email: melde@msu.edu
Office Phone: 517-353-0850
MSU Mailing Address: 544 Baker Hall 655 Auditorium Rd. East Lansing, MI 48824

MSU IRB
Email: irb@msu.edu
Office Phone: 517-355-2180
MSU Mailing Address: 4000 Collins Rd, Suite 136, Lansing, MI 48910.

 

Resources for Victim-Survivors


State of Michigan

Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline (Available 24/7)

National

National Sexual Assault Hotline (Available 24/7)

  • Call: 1-800-656-4673
  • Confidential support
  • Beyond MST Mobile App
  • Download on the Apple Store or Google Play
  • Free, secure, & private self-help mobile app created specifically to support the health & well-being of survivors of MST. The app has over 30 specialized tools & other features to help MST survivors cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life, & find hope. Users do not need to create an account or be in treatment to use the app. Any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including the VA.
  • https://mobile.va.gov/app/beyond-mst

DoD All Safe Helpline (Available 24/7)

  • Call: 877-995-5247
  • Online one-on-one chat available
  • DoD Safe Helpline is the sole secure, confidential, & anonymous crisis support service specially designed for members of the Department of Defense community affected by sexual assault.
  • https://www.sapr.mil/dod-safe-helpline

Research