What is sexual coercion?
Sexual coercion refers to unwanted or nonconsensual sexual activity that happens when one person pressures another into participating in an act they would otherwise refuse due to fear, guilt, shame, blackmail, threats, lies, or manipulation. Coerced sex can occur within romantic partnerships, workplace relationships, friendships, family dynamics, professional settings, or social situations such as parties or clubs. It may be physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, or virtual.
Someone might pressure their partner to have unprotected intercourse, perform sexual acts outside their comfort zone, take explicit pictures or videos, engage in degrading behaviors, or even share private moments online without consent.
Why do service members experience sexual coercion?
Military culture is traditionally masculine and hierarchical, making it difficult for those who identify as LGBTQ+ or otherwise marginalized to express their needs and desires openly. This creates a power imbalance between commanders and subordinates, which some exploit to force others into unwanted intimacy. Service members are also at risk of being stationed far away from home and surrounded by peers with whom they often have little in common. They may feel isolated, lonely, and vulnerable, increasing the chances of abuse. Moreover, military personnel are expected to adhere to strict codes of conduct and discipline, including obeying orders without question. Sexual coercion thrives on this environment of control and conformity.
How does sexual coercion affect long-term emotional stability?
Research shows that experiences of sexual coercion can cause posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, insomnia, suicidality, substance use problems, eating disorders, and other mental health issues. Survivors may struggle with guilt, shame, self-blame, fear, anger, mistrust, and low self-esteem. They may withdraw from social activities and avoid relationships altogether. Some become hypersexual or numb themselves with drugs or alcohol. Others might turn to risky behaviors like unprotected sex or prostitution. Long-term emotional instability can harm not only the individual but their families, friends, and communities.
How does sexual coercion impact self-esteem?
Survivors of coercive behavior may experience a range of negative thoughts and feelings about themselves and their bodies, such as "I'm damaged goods," "I'm dirty," "I'm worthless," or "I don't deserve love." This distorted view of oneself can lead to self-hatred, self-harm, and even suicidal ideation. It can also prevent them from trusting others, forming intimate connections, and enjoying life. Self-esteem is closely linked to identity; if someone views themselves as flawed or broken, it becomes difficult to see themselves as whole and valued human beings.
How does sexual coercion affect identity?
Sexual coercion often occurs within power dynamics that are tied to gender norms and societal expectations around masculinity and femininity.
Commanders who pressure subordinates into having sex may reinforce patriarchal beliefs about male dominance and female submission. Survivors may internalize these messages and feel ashamed for being used or violated. They may question their own sexuality, gender expression, and sense of belonging in the world.
This can lead to identity crises, where they struggle to define who they are and what they want out of life.
How do experiences of sexual coercion affect long-term emotional stability, self-esteem, and identity in service members?
Sexual coercion is commonly defined as any unwanted sexual activity that occurs when one person makes another perform sexual acts against their will by using verbal threats, manipulation, or physical force (Makinen & Kramer, 2019). It can be especially prevalent in the military setting where individuals are placed in high-stress environments and may feel powerless due to their subordinate role within a hierarchical system (Kim et al.