In today's military environment, there is an increasing awareness that soldiers can be sexually harassed or assaulted by their peers and even commanding officers. This issue has gained more attention recently due to high-profile cases such as the U.S. Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground scandal and the U.K.'s Deepcut barracks incident.
It remains unclear how these incidents affect the mental health of those involved and what strategies they may use to cope with anxiety related to being targeted for their gender identity or perceived sexual orientation.
Anxiety and Coping Strategies
Coping with the fear of sexual harassment or abuse in the military is often very difficult because it is associated with a sense of powerlessness and helplessness. Some soldiers may feel afraid to speak out about their experiences, while others may try to avoid situations where they might be vulnerable. One common coping strategy is to focus on the mission at hand and ignore the anxiety provoking thoughts. Another approach is to seek support from family and friends who understand the situation.
Some soldiers turn to alcohol or other substances to numb the pain. While these coping mechanisms may work short term, they are not sustainable solutions and can lead to further emotional distress down the road.
The Power Dynamic
The power dynamic between soldiers in a unit can also play a role in how sexual harassment and assault are handled. When subordinates believe that their superiors will not take action against them, they may become more comfortable with expressing sexually aggressive behavior towards each other. Similarly, when peers feel that their fellow service members are uncomfortable with homosexuality or transgender identities, they may engage in bullying or other forms of intimidation. In such cases, it's important for commanders to intervene quickly and decisively to set boundaries and protect all members of the unit.
The Impact on Mental Health
Sexual harassment and assault can have serious mental health consequences for victims, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. For many individuals, the fear of being targeted again can prevent them from enjoying intimate relationships or socializing with other troops. It can also impact their ability to perform their duties effectively and may even result in self-harm or harm to others. Therefore, military leaders need to prioritize creating an environment where everyone feels safe and supported emotionally as well as physically.
How do soldiers cope with the anxiety of being sexually targeted by peers or superiors?
Soldiers who are sexually targeted by their peers or superiors may experience anxiety due to feelings of powerlessness, vulnerability, shame, fear, and confusion. Coping strategies can include seeking support from friends or family, talking to mental health professionals, focusing on personal interests and hobbies, practicing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques, and working on building resilience through positive thinking and goal-setting.