Sexual coercion is a type of unwanted sexual activity that occurs when someone forces another person to have sex against their will, whether through physical force, manipulation, threats, deception, or alcohol/drug intoxication. It can occur between individuals who are dating, married, or just acquaintances, but it's most commonly seen in situations where there is an imbalance of power, such as employer-employee, boss-subordinate, teacher-student, and military-civilian relations. In the context of armed conflict, sexual coercion is particularly prevalent because soldiers often find themselves in close quarters with vulnerable civilians during combat operations and humanitarian assistance missions. This paper explores how sexual coercion affects soldiers' moral reasoning, emotional stability, and perception of justice and proposes potential solutions to mitigate its effects.
When soldiers engage in sexual coercion, they may justify their actions by claiming that the victim consented or "asked for it" due to cultural norms or desperation.
This approach fails to acknowledge that consent cannot be given under duress and that victims may feel pressured to comply out of fear or shame. Soldiers who engage in sexual coercion may also rationalize their behavior by emphasizing the need for intimacy and companionship during deployment, claiming that their actions were necessary for survival or stress relief. These justifications ignore the psychological damage caused by sexual assault and undermine the trust and respect essential for effective military operations.
Sexual coercion can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, guilt, and suicidal thoughts among victims, who may feel ashamed, helpless, and violated. Victims may experience difficulty forming relationships, trusting others, and performing their duties effectively, leading to increased risk of PTSD and other mental health issues. They may also develop a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness, which can compromise their ability to fight back against future abuse or seek support from superiors.
For perpetrators, sexual coercion can result in feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame, and social isolation, as well as legal consequences if exposed. They may avoid discussing their experiences with colleagues and family members, creating a cycle of denial and silence that perpetuates the problem.
Soldiers who engage in sexual coercion may struggle to justify their actions to themselves and society, further increasing their discomfort and risk of self-harm.
To address these effects, militaries must prioritize education on consent, boundaries, and communication skills, promoting positive behaviors such as empathy, resilience, and accountability. Leaders should provide clear guidance on appropriate conduct and sanctions for those who break the rules, while ensuring confidentiality and support for victims.
Policies that protect civilians, especially women and children, are critical to preventing and responding to sexual violence. By understanding the impacts of sexual coercion and taking action to stop it, military leaders can foster an environment where all service members feel safe, respected, and valued.
In what ways does sexual coercion influence soldiers' moral reasoning, emotional stability, and perception of justice?
Sexual coercion can affect soldiers' moral reasoning by leading them to believe that their actions are acceptable under certain circumstances, which may not be true in reality. It can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as self-blame for engaging in unwanted behavior. Sexual coercion can disrupt soldiers' emotional stability by causing distress, anxiety, and depression, which can impact their ability to perform their duties effectively.