Sexual Coercion can be defined as a type of sexual assault that occurs when an individual is forced to engage in unwanted sexual activity through explicit or implicit threats. This form of sexual abuse has been observed in different populations including the military setting, where it has become a critical issue that affects long-term social integration, trust, and relational competence among service members. In this essay, I will discuss how sexual coercion impacts these aspects in military personnel, providing relevant examples and literature to support my arguments.
How does sexual coercion impact long-term social integration?
Sexual coercion can lead to various negative consequences for both the victim and society as a whole. One such consequence is the potential disruption of a person's ability to integrate into their social environment. According to a study conducted by Smith et al. (2016), victims of sexual coercion may experience feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that impair their ability to function effectively within their social networks. These individuals may find themselves struggling to connect with others, as they feel ashamed, guilty, and embarrassed about what happened to them. As a result, they may withdraw from social activities or avoid certain situations altogether, making it difficult to establish new relationships.
How does sexual coercion impact trust?
Sexual coercion can also undermine trust between individuals. When someone experiences sexual coercion, they often lose faith in those around them, believing that people are not to be trusted. They may begin to question the motives of others, wondering if anyone truly cares about their well-being or whether they are just using them for personal gain. This lack of trust can have far-reaching effects on an individual's interactions with others, leading to difficulties forming meaningful connections and friendships.
How does sexual coercion impact relational competence?
Sexual coercion can impact an individual's relational competence, which refers to their ability to form and maintain healthy relationships. Victims of sexual coercion may struggle to understand and manage emotions, resulting in difficulties communicating effectively and building intimacy with others. They may also become hypervigilant, always scanning their environment for potential threats, making it challenging to relax and enjoy time spent with loved ones.
Victims may develop distrust of others, leading to defensiveness and hostility in relationships, further damaging their social connections.
Sexual coercion is a serious issue that has far-reaching consequences for both victims and society as a whole. It can lead to long-term problems with social integration, trust, and relational competence among military personnel, impairing their ability to function effectively within their units and beyond. To address this problem, we must work together to prevent sexual coercion from occurring and provide support for those who experience it.
How does sexual coercion impact long-term social integration, trust, and relational competence in military personnel?
Sexual coercion can have lasting effects on military personnel's long-term social integration, trust, and relational competence. When someone experiences sexual coercion, they may feel ashamed, embarrassed, and afraid of being judged by their peers. This can lead to isolation from their unit and difficulty forming new friendships.