There has been an increasing concern about the prevalence of sexual coercion among deployed personnel. Sexual coercion refers to nonconsensual sexual activity where one partner uses psychological manipulation, pressure, or force to have intercourse with another person against their will. This type of behavior can have significant effects on the victims' physical, mental, emotional, and social health.
Little research has focused on long-term consequences on deployed personnel specifically. This article discusses the potential long-term consequences of sexual coercion on emotional, social, and moral functioning among individuals who were deployed during their experiences. It highlights how such traumatic events may impact a person's overall wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self.
Emotional Functioning
Sexual coercion is a traumatic experience that affects every aspect of a victim's life. Research shows that it leads to increased levels of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues. The victim may feel ashamed, guilty, and helpless, leading to low self-esteem, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. They may also develop trust issues, fear, and avoidance behaviors, making it challenging for them to form meaningful relationships in the future. Victims often struggle with intimacy and may be unable to express their needs in bed due to feelings of guilt and shame. These emotional effects can lead to isolation, loneliness, and poor mental health outcomes, which can last for years after the event.
Social Functioning
Victims of sexual coercion face difficulties in their personal lives as they struggle to rebuild trust and connect with others. They may distance themselves from family members and friends, avoid social gatherings, and limit interactions with people they do not know well. Some victims may even lose jobs or educational opportunities because they cannot focus on work or school due to the trauma. Sexual coercion can damage a victim's reputation and make it difficult to maintain friendships or romantic relationships. In some cases, victims may turn to substance abuse or engage in risky behavior as coping mechanisms, further impacting their social functioning.
Moral Functioning
Sexual coercion damages a person's sense of morality and ethics. Victims may question their moral compass, values, and beliefs about consent, love, and respect. They may feel like they deserved the attack or that they are somehow responsible for what happened to them. This can lead to feelings of self-blame, helplessness, and despair, making it hard to move forward in life.
Sexual coercion can affect a victim's ability to view the world positively, leading to cynicism, distrust, and hopelessness.
Sexual coercion has long-term consequences on emotional, social, and moral functioning among deployed personnel. It leads to increased mental health issues, isolation, and difficulty forming meaningful connections. Victims may experience guilt, shame, and low self-esteem, affecting their daily lives and relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to address this issue comprehensively by providing support services, education, and resources for victims. By doing so, we can help individuals heal from the trauma and prevent further instances of sexual violence.
What are the long-term consequences of sexual coercion on emotional, social, and moral functioning in deployed personnel?
Sexual coercion can have significant long-term effects on the emotional, social, and moral functioning of deployed personnel. The trauma associated with sexual coercion may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.