The current study sought to examine how experiences of coercion contribute to long-term psychosexual consequences among former British military personnel. This research is important because it can help increase awareness about this issue and develop effective treatments for people who may have been traumatized during their time in service. Sexual assault is one of the most prevalent forms of violence experienced by military personnel, and it has far-reaching implications that extend beyond the immediate physical and emotional damage. Experiences of forced sex can lead to long-lasting psychological effects such as PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship problems, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain. In addition, coercion can result in feelings of shame, guilt, anger, betrayal, isolation, and fear, making it difficult for survivors to seek assistance. Despite these challenges, many veterans are reluctant to disclose their experiences due to stigma or concerns about being disbelieved or ignored. As a result, they often struggle in silence and may turn to self-destructive behaviors like substance abuse or suicide. By examining how coercive experiences shape soldiers' sexuality, this study hopes to shed light on why some individuals suffer from ongoing difficulties after leaving the military.
Military life involves unique pressures that may impact an individual's sexual behavior and identity.
Members may be exposed to stressful situations, including combat, deployment, training exercises, and high-intensity work schedules. These demands can cause changes in hormonal levels, sleep patterns, and eating habits, all of which affect mood and sexual desire.
Military culture promotes masculinity, stoicism, and strength, creating additional barriers for men who want to express vulnerability or intimacy with others. Women face similar challenges but must also contend with gender stereotypes and objectification.
Military personnel may experience limited access to sex education, healthcare, and support services, leading them to engage in risky behaviors or develop problematic relationships.
Exposure to coercion
Sexual assault is common among military personnel, with rates ranging from 14% to 60%, depending on the source. Experiences range from unwanted touching or kissing to rape or gang rape by fellow service members or civilians. Coercion can occur during any stage of military service, whether active duty or post-service employment. It often occurs when there are power imbalances between the victim and perpetrator, making it difficult for victims to resist or report their experiences. As a result, many soldiers remain silent about what happened to avoid stigma or reprisals from commanders or peers.
Long-term consequences
Experiencing coercive sex has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond physical injuries or legal actions against the perpetrators. Victims struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, betrayal, fear, confusion, anger, isolation, disgust, and self-blame, resulting in long-lasting psychological effects. These reactions may contribute to PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, insomnia, difficulty trusting others, relationship difficulties, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain. In addition, survivors may feel unworthy of love or intimacy, experience low self-esteem, engage in risky behaviors, or develop suicidal thoughts. The impact of these experiences goes beyond personal wellbeing; they also affect families and communities as veterans withdraw from social life, miss work or school, and become estranged from loved ones.
Treatments and support
There is growing awareness among policymakers, medical professionals, and therapists that military personnel need specialized assistance to overcome the challenges posed by coercive experiences.
Treatment options are limited due to stigma, lack of funding, logistical barriers, and accessibility issues. Some treatments focus on reducing symptoms associated with trauma, while others explore underlying causes like power dynamics, patriarchy, misogyny, or homophobia.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches skills for managing negative emotions, challenging negative beliefs, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) uses bilateral stimulation to reprocess traumatic memories and reduce distress. Complementary approaches include mindfulness meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and yoga. While some services are available online or over the phone, many veterans prefer in-person support from trained counselors who understand their unique needs.
How do experiences of coercion contribute to long-term psychosexual consequences for soldiers?
Coercive sexual encounters are not uncommon among military personnel, and research has shown that these experiences can have lasting effects on one's mental health and overall well-being. According to a study conducted by McCarthy et al. (2017), 45% of female veterans reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment during their service, while 38% reported unwanted touching, and 9% experienced rape.