The subject of this article is sexual coercion among deployed soldiers, which refers to when one soldier forces another to have non-consensual sexual intercourse. This can be done through physical force, verbal pressure, threats, manipulation, or exploitation of power imbalances. It can happen during deployment, while on leave, or even after returning home from service. Sexual coercion has long-term emotional, social, and moral consequences that affect both the victim and perpetrator. The effects are often severe and lasting, leading to mental health issues, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship problems, job performance, criminal charges, social isolation, and more.
Let's look at the emotional impact of sexual coercion. Victims may experience feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, humiliation, anger, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and PTSD. They may withdraw from family, friends, and society, avoiding people who remind them of the incident. If they were sexually assaulted by someone known to them before deployment, their trust in others is damaged. Soldiers often feel isolated and alone, as if no one understands what happened or how it affected them. Some turn to substance abuse to numb the pain. Others develop psychosomatic illnesses like headaches, insomnia, digestive problems, and chronic pain. In extreme cases, victims can become suicidal.
The social consequences of sexual coercion are also significant. Victims may lose jobs due to poor performance, have trouble finding new ones due to a lack of trustworthiness, and suffer socially with family members who don't believe their story. Perpetrators may face disciplinary action or legal prosecution, causing them to be ostracized from peers and colleagues. Family relationships can break down due to betrayal or misunderstanding. Soldiers who return home after being deployed often struggle to reintegrate into civilian life, which makes things worse for everyone involved.
Moral consequences of sexual coercion affect both parties. The victim suffers because they must live with the knowledge that they were violated against their will, while the perpetrator feels guilty about hurting another human being. Both sides must deal with feelings of shame, guilt, regret, and embarrassment that last long after the incident. This can lead to self-loathing, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Victims may question their morals and values, wondering why they didn't fight back or resist more. Perpetrators may wonder why they took advantage of someone in such an unjust way. Neither party is likely to forget what happened easily or move on quickly.
What are the long-term emotional, social, and moral consequences of sexual coercion for deployed soldiers?
Sexual coercion is a traumatic experience that can have long-lasting effects on the victim's physical, emotional, and mental health as well as their relationships with others. According to research by the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), sexual assault can increase the risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.