As recent research suggests, sexual coercion is a prevalent experience for many service members, particularly women. Sexual coercion refers to unwanted sexual contact that occurs under circumstances where consent cannot be given freely due to physical force or threats, intoxication, fraud, deception, manipulation, or abuse of authority. It can include verbal pressuring, unwelcome touching, groping, grabbing, and rape. Sexual coercion can have lasting effects on victims' emotional well-being, including their self-esteem, ability to regulate emotions, and trust in others.
Sexual coercion can cause service members to question their worth and value as human beings. Victims may feel ashamed, humiliated, embarrassed, and guilty about what happened to them. They may blame themselves for not being able to prevent it or for "asking" for it. This can lead to feelings of powerlessness and helplessness, which can erode self-confidence and self-respect.
They may struggle to accept compliments or affirmations from others and may doubt their own judgement and decision-making abilities.
This can lead to low self-esteem and poor body image.
Sexual coercion can interfere with victims' ability to regulate their emotions effectively. Victims may experience high levels of stress, anxiety, fear, anger, and trauma, which can negatively impact their overall mental health. They may also find it difficult to manage negative emotions such as shame, guilt, and anger, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse or isolation. These factors can further decrease self-esteem and make it more challenging to form positive relationships.
Sexual coercion can impede trust in others, particularly in romantic and intimate relationships. Victims may become hypervigilant and suspicious of other people's intentions, leading to distrust and avoidance. They may have difficulty forming new relationships or opening up emotionally due to a fear of rejection or betrayal. This can limit opportunities for social connection and support, further exacerbating the negative effects of sexual coercion on mental health.
Sexual coercion has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the initial incident. It can shape service members' sense of identity, self-worth, and ability to connect with others, creating lasting damage to their psychological well-being. Service members who experience sexual coercion need access to comprehensive support services, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance, to address its impacts and begin the healing process.
How do experiences of sexual coercion shape self-esteem, emotional regulation, and interpersonal trust among service members?
According to research studies, experiencing sexual coercion can have long-lasting effects on an individual's self-esteem, emotional regulation, and interpersonal trust (e. g. , Pines et al. , 2016; Fahy & Mullen, 2013).