Sexual coercion among deployed personnel can have serious long-term consequences
Sexual coercion is a form of sexual assault that involves pressure or force to engage in unwanted sexual activity. It often occurs within military settings and has been found to be common among deployed personnel. While some studies suggest that there may be short-term consequences such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), there are also potential long-term psychological and moral consequences for those who experience sexual coercion. These include feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, which can lead to negative emotional states such as hopelessness and despair.
Victims may experience difficulties forming healthy relationships due to their lack of trust in others and difficulty communicating their needs effectively. This can have further impacts on their social life and professional development.
Many victims report feeling socially isolated because they feel unable to talk about their experiences due to fear of stigma or judgment from others.
Sexual coercion can cause significant harm both mentally and emotionally to deployed personnel, and it is important for commanders and medical personnel to be aware of this issue in order to provide support and resources for affected individuals.
Psychological effects
Sexual coercion can result in various psychological outcomes including PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance behaviors, and an exaggerated startle response. Victims may also develop depressive symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, and thoughts of suicide. Anxiety disorders can manifest as panic attacks, irritability, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, and difficulty controlling worrisome thoughts. Some victims may experience a sense of powerlessness, helplessness, or worthlessness that leads them to believe that they deserved what happened or are at fault. They may blame themselves for not being able to resist or escape the situation, leading to feelings of guilt and shame. These emotions can lead to self-blame and negative self-talk, which can worsen mental health over time.
Moral effects
Victims of sexual coercion often struggle with moral issues related to their experience, such as feeling violated or having betrayed their personal values. They may question whether they were responsible for the assault by flirting, dressing provocatively, or drinking too much. Victims may feel ashamed about their actions before or during the incident, which can lead to a lack of trust in others and difficulty forming intimate relationships. This can have further impacts on their social life and professional development because they may become isolated from friends and colleagues due to fear of judgment or rejection.
Some individuals may develop difficulties communicating their needs effectively due to shame or embarrassment. This can cause problems in romantic partnerships, friendships, and work relationships since they cannot express themselves freely without feeling judged or misunderstood.
Victims of sexual coercion may struggle with questions of identity and self-worth because they no longer see themselves as strong, independent individuals who have control over their lives.
The long-term consequences of sexual coercion among deployed personnel can be significant both mentally and emotionally. Victims may suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological disorders that require treatment. They may also experience moral distress related to their perceived role in the assault, leading to difficulties forming healthy relationships and low self-esteem. It is important for commanders and medical personnel to recognize these signs so they can provide support and resources for affected individuals. By providing a safe space for victims to talk about their experiences, medical professionals can help them heal physically and emotionally from trauma while promoting positive mental health practices like exercise, meditation, and therapy.
What are the long-term psychological and moral consequences of sexual coercion for deployed personnel?
Sexual coercion is a type of assault that can cause severe trauma to victims who may experience long-term psychological and moral consequences. Deployed military personnel are especially vulnerable due to their high levels of stress, isolation from family and friends, and exposure to traumatic events. The psychological effects of sexual coercion can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.