What are the emotional consequences of witnessing sexual harassment or coercion in the military?
Sexual harassment and coercion have been around since ancient times, but their impact is far-reaching and widespread in modern life, including in the military. It can take many forms, such as verbal comments, unwanted touching, gestures, and actions that make one feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, or threatened. When someone experiences or observes it, they may suffer from various mental health issues that affect their physical and psychological well-being. This article will examine how witnessing sexual harassment or coercion in the military can negatively impact an individual's emotions and discuss some possible solutions to help mitigate these effects.
Emotional distress caused by sexual harassment or coercion is often characterized by feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, shame, guilt, helplessness, fear, and confusion. These feelings may interfere with one's ability to perform daily tasks effectively and cause them to avoid social interactions or engage in self-destructive behavior like substance abuse. Victims may also experience sleep disorders, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty trusting others, leading to a general feeling of unease and lack of safety in the world.
Witnesses of sexual harassment or coercion may struggle with similar symptoms because they see themselves as powerless to stop the behavior or protect those who are being victimized. They may feel guilty for not taking action against it or worry about retaliation if they report it.
They may internalize the belief that speaking out would be futile due to the high risk of reprisal within the military culture.
Another consequence of witnessing sexual harassment or coercion is increased stress levels. Stress can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension, and fatigue, which can further exacerbate mental health issues. It can also lead to changes in mood, behavior, and personality, affecting relationships and work performance. Those who witness these behaviors may become anxious, irritable, or aggressive, impacting their ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and superiors.
To mitigate the emotional consequences of witnessing sexual harassment or coercion, there must be clear policies and procedures for reporting incidents, a strong commitment to addressing them promptly, and accountability for offenders. Victims should have access to support resources such as counseling services and legal assistance to help process their experiences and pursue justice. Bystanders need training on how to recognize and respond appropriately when they witness these behaviors.
Military leaders must create an environment where all service members feel safe and protected from harassment and coercion. This includes holding perpetrators accountable through disciplinary measures and ensuring victims receive the necessary support to heal emotionally and physically.
Bystanders must learn strategies for intervening in situations involving sexual harassment or coercion, such as distracting the offender or speaking up on behalf of the victim.
Sexual harassment and coercion have significant negative emotional consequences that require immediate attention and action from military leadership and those affected by it. Witnesses, particularly, are at risk of developing long-term mental health issues if left unaddressed.
Implementing effective prevention, response, and support programs can reduce the emotional damage caused by this harmful behavior and promote a more positive workplace culture.
What are the emotional consequences of witnessing sexual harassment or coercion in the military?
According to research, individuals who have experienced sexual harassment or coercion in the military may experience various emotions such as shame, humiliation, anger, depression, anxiety, fear, guilt, disgust, and betrayal. These emotions can negatively impact an individual's mental health, leading to problems with sleep, appetite, concentration, self-esteem, and social relationships.