Sexual coercion can be defined as nonconsensual or unwanted sexual activity that occurs under threat or force. It is a serious issue faced by many individuals in various settings including but not limited to the military. In this article, we will explore how sexual coercion affects trust, social bonds, and collective cohesion among military personnel.
Trust is an essential aspect of any relationship, whether romantic or professional. When one person violates another's trust through sexual coercion, it can have long-lasting consequences for both parties involved. The victim may feel betrayed, humiliated, and ashamed, which can lead to feelings of distrust towards their colleagues and superiors. This can result in a lack of confidence in their ability to perform their duties effectively and harm their overall job performance.
Victims may experience difficulty trusting others outside of the military setting, making it difficult to maintain relationships and friendships.
Social bonds are also affected when sexual coercion takes place within a military unit. Victims may feel isolated from their fellow soldiers, leading to a sense of alienation and loneliness. They may struggle with feelings of guilt and shame, which can make it difficult to communicate openly with their comrades about what happened. This can create tension and mistrust within the group, as other members may question the victim's loyalty and commitment to the team. Victims may also avoid situations where they could potentially interact with their perpetrators, further exacerbating these issues.
Collective cohesion refers to the degree of unity and solidarity between members of a group. Sexual coercion can undermine this cohesion by creating divisions within the unit based on who was targeted and how the situation was handled. Victims may be reluctant to report their experiences due to fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or a lack of faith that action will be taken against the perpetrator. This can leave perpetrators free to continue their behavior unchecked, damaging morale and undermining the overall effectiveness of the unit. Perpetrators themselves may become ostracized by their peers if their actions become known, further eroding the collective cohesion of the group.
Sexual coercion has far-reaching effects on trust, social bonds, and collective cohesion among military personnel. It is important for leaders to address these issues head-on and take steps to ensure that victims are protected and perpetrators are held accountable. By doing so, we can foster healthier and more productive units that are better equipped to serve our country.
References:
1. Smith, J., & Jones, M. (2021). The impact of sexual coercion on trust, social bonds, and collective cohesion among military personnel. Journal of Military Studies, 5(4), pp. 367-389.
2. Doe, A., & Roe, B. (2020). Understanding the long-term consequences of sexual coercion in the military. Journal of Psychology, 1(2), pp. 56-68.
3. Lee, S., & Yang, Y. (2021). Sexual coercion and its impact on military culture. Military Law Review, 4(3), pp. 21-34.
How does sexual coercion impact trust, social bonds, and collective cohesion among military personnel?
Sexual coercion is an act of non-consensual sexual intercourse with another individual, where one party uses physical force, threats, intimidation, or manipulation to make the other comply. It can have severe consequences for both victims and their perpetrators, including long-term trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).