Sexual coercion is defined as unwanted sexual contact that occurs without explicit consent from the victim. It can include various forms such as rape, forced kissing, groping, or exposure to pornography. Sexual coercion often has negative effects on individuals who experience it during deployment. This article will explore how sexual coercion affects their adaptability upon return home, moral injury, and long-term psychological functioning.
Post-deployment Adaptation
After returning home from deployment, individuals may have difficulty readjusting to civilian life due to changes in social norms, employment status, family dynamics, and emotional stressors. Sexual coercion experienced while deployed can negatively impact post-deployment adaptation by causing fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation. Victims of sexual coercion may feel ashamed, embarrassed, and unable to trust others due to the traumatic event they experienced. They may also struggle to form healthy relationships and intimacy, leading to feelings of loneliness and detachment.
Victims of sexual coercion may struggle with reintegrating into society because of stigma associated with sexual violence. This can lead to increased isolation, withdrawal, and avoidance behaviors. It can also create barriers to accessing mental health services, employment opportunities, and other resources essential for successful reintegration.
Moral Injury
Moral injury is a term used to describe the internal conflict that occurs when an individual experiences something contrary to their personal values. Sexual coercion can cause moral injury if it goes against the victim's beliefs about gender roles, sexuality, or power dynamics.
If someone views themselves as a protector, but was forced to participate in sexual acts against their will, this could result in feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal. Moral injury can lead to chronic psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Sexual coercion during deployment can make individuals question their faith, identity, and moral compass, which can be challenging to overcome. Seeking support from religious leaders, therapists, or peers can help mitigate these effects.
Long-Term Psychological Functioning
Sexual coercion experienced while deployed can have long-term psychological consequences on an individual's wellbeing. Victims may experience flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and heightened startle responses related to the trauma. They may also develop substance use disorders, difficulty concentrating, and sleep problems. These symptoms are common in PTSD and can significantly impact daily life.
Victims may feel guilty, ashamed, and helpless due to the traumatic event they endured. This can lead to low self-esteem, poor body image, and suicidal thoughts. It is essential for individuals who have been sexually coerced during deployment to seek professional mental health treatment to address these symptoms and regain control over their lives.
Sexual coercion experienced during deployment can cause significant harm to an individual's ability to adapt after returning home. It can also create a cycle of distrust, isolation, and emotional pain that makes reintegration more difficult. While recovery is possible with proper care and support, it is crucial for victims to receive timely intervention to avoid long-term negative effects on their physical and mental health.
How does sexual coercion affect post-deployment adaptation, moral injury, and long-term psychological functioning?
Research has shown that sexual coercion can have significant impact on military members' mental health and wellbeing after deployment. Studies suggest that experiences of sexual assault during deployment may lead to higher levels of PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts (Peterson et al. , 2016).