The phenomenon of sexual coercion is a prevalent problem that affects many service members in different branches of the armed forces around the world. It refers to unwanted sexual behavior, such as touching, kissing, and rape, perpetrated against someone without their consent. In recent years, various studies have revealed that this issue has been a significant burden for both women and men who serve in the military. Consequently, researchers have explored strategies that can help prevent it. This article will discuss some preventative psychological techniques that mitigate the effects of sexual coercion among service members.
Education
One of the most effective ways of preventing sexual coercion in the military is through education. Educating soldiers about what constitutes sexual assault and how they should respond if they experience it is crucial. The military can organize training sessions for all members to educate them on the legal definitions of sexual harassment and assault and how to report incidents if they happen. Through these training sessions, soldiers learn how to recognize when they or others are being sexually coerced and take steps to address the situation appropriately. Moreover, the training also helps people understand the negative consequences of sexual coercion and its impact on victims.
Bystander intervention
Bystander intervention involves intervening in situations where one witnesses a colleague experiencing sexual coercion. When an individual sees another soldier being forced into sexual activity against their will, they should speak up immediately to stop the action.
Bystanders could tell the person to leave the situation, call security, or confront the perpetrator directly. The goal is to make sure everyone feels safe and respected within the military environment. By creating awareness around sexual coercion, the military promotes healthy relationships and minimizes incidences of such acts.
Reporting incidents
Another preventive strategy is encouraging soldiers to report any instances of sexual coercion that they encounter. Service members who have experienced this type of abuse must be urged to come forward and report it. The military must create a support system that enables victims to feel comfortable reporting such cases without fearing retaliation from their superiors. Victims need to know that their reports will not negatively affect their careers or reputation.
Victims can get emotional support as well as counseling services to help them recover from trauma. This strategy may lead to the arrest and conviction of perpetrators, thereby preventing future occurrences.
Improving unit cohesion
Improved unit cohesion has been linked to reduced rates of sexual assaults. Soldiers are encouraged to work together as a team to maintain high morale and build camaraderie among themselves. Working as a group makes it easier for individuals to recognize when someone is in distress due to sexual coercion. When the team works closely together, there is mutual accountability where each member looks out for the other's welfare. Moreover, the military should establish policies that discourage isolating members from others.
Soldiers should avoid assigning solitary duties that expose them to greater risks of being sexually assaulted.
Sexual coercion is a significant issue affecting many service members around the world.
By implementing these strategies, the military can reduce its prevalence significantly. Education about what constitutes sexual harassment and assault and how to respond appropriately, bystander intervention, reporting incidents, and improving unit cohesion are some of the preventative psychological techniques that mitigate the effects of this problem. The goal is to create an environment where everyone feels safe and respected within the military setting.
What preventative psychological strategies can mitigate the effects of sexual coercion in military settings?
Research shows that sexual coercion is prevalent in military settings due to various factors such as peer pressure, power dynamics, and cultural norms around masculinity. Mitigating its effects requires a multi-pronged approach that involves addressing individual, organizational, and societal levels. Psychologically, individuals should be taught about consent, boundary setting, and communication skills to recognize, report, and resist coercive behavior.