Sexual Coercion Among Service Members: Psychological Impact
The act of forcing someone to participate in a sexual act against their will is called sexual coercion. It can be perpetrated through violence, threats, manipulation, pressure, blackmail, intoxication, or taking advantage of someone's vulnerability. Experiencing sexual coercion has long-term psychological consequences that affect both those who have been coerced and their peers. This article examines these effects on service members and how they can be addressed.
The Definition of Sexual Coercion
Sexual coercion is an unwanted or non-consensual physical or verbal sexual act, usually involving one person using force, intimidation, or other means to compel another to engage in sexual activity. It may include rape, but it also includes many other forms of forced sex, including being pressured into having sex with someone you are not attracted to, performing sexual acts outside of your comfort zone, or being exposed to pornography without consent.
Common Types of Sexual Coercion
There are several common types of sexual coercion among service members. They include:
1. Rape - Any form of sexual penetration (anal, vaginal, oral) or intercourse without explicit consent.
2. Non-Consensual Kissing or Touching - Forcing someone to kiss or touch them sexually without their permission.
3. Exposure to Pornography - Showing or sharing pornographic material without the other person's consent.
4. Explicit Threats or Intimidation - Using fear or blackmail to get someone to perform a sexual act against their will.
5. Emotional Manipulation - Making someone feel guilty, ashamed, or obligated to participate in a sexual act.
6. Date Rape - Tricking someone into believing that there was romantic interest when none exists and then forcing them to have sex.
7. Pressuring Someone into Unwanted Sex - Persuading someone to have sex by promising rewards or threating consequences if they don't.
8. Taking Advantage of Vulnerability - Coercing someone who is drunk, drugged, or mentally ill into engaging in unwanted sex.
9. Revenge Sex - Having sex with someone out of anger or spite after an argument or disagreement.
Psychological Impact on Victims
Experiencing sexual coercion has serious psychological effects on victims, including:
1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Sexual trauma can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, hypervigilance, and avoidance behaviors that may lead to full-blown PTSD symptoms.
2. Depression and Anxiety: Feelings of shame, guilt, low self-esteem, isolation, and powerlessness are common among victims of sexual violence.
3. Low Self-Esteem: Victims may blame themselves for the experience, leading to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
4. Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug abuse can be used as coping mechanisms for dealing with the emotional pain caused by sexual assault.
5. Suicidal Thoughts: Victims may feel like there is no way out of their situation and may consider suicide as a solution.
6. Relationship Problems: Survivors may struggle to trust others and develop intimate relationships, leading to difficulty forming close bonds.
7. Disturbed Sleep Patterns: Victims may have trouble sleeping, waking up frequently, or experiencing nightmares related to the assault.
8. Physical Symptoms: Victims may also experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, fatigue, and muscle tension.
9. Health Risks: Sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, and other health risks are possible if someone was forced into unwanted sexual activity.
Psychological Impact on Peers
In addition to the effects on victims, sexual coercion can have long-term psychological consequences for peers who witness or know about it. These include:
1. Guilt: Survivors may feel guilty that they did not do more to stop the act from happening or protect their friend.
2. Anxiety and Stress: Witnesses may worry about what will happen if they report the incident and fear for their own safety.
3. Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling overwhelmed and helpless when trying to support a victim can lead to emotional exhaustion.
4. Loss of Trust: Witnesses may lose trust in their fellow service members after seeing how easily someone could be taken advantage of sexually.
5. Increased Risk-Taking Behaviors: Knowledge of one instance of sexual violence may cause witnesses to engage in riskier behaviors like drinking heavily or partying excessively.
6. Changes in Social Interactions: Witnesses may avoid talking about sex or engaging in sexual relationships out of fear of similar situations arising.
7. Decreased Morale: Seeing the negative impacts of sexual coercion on a colleague can reduce morale and motivation among those around them.
8. Shame and Stigma: Some witnesses may feel shame or stigma associated with knowing about an assault, leading to isolation and withdrawal.
9. Distrust of Authority: Witnesses may question why superiors didn't prevent the incident from occurring or investigate properly afterwards.
Support for Victims and Peers
There are several ways that victims and peers can receive support following a sexual assault. These include:
1. Reporting: Victims should report any incidents immediately so that appropriate action can be taken against the perpetrator.
2. Counseling: Professional counseling services offer support and help victims process their experience.
3. Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications may help alleviate some symptoms of PTSD and depression.
What long-term psychological consequences result from experiences of sexual coercion for service members and their peers?
Due to the nature of military operations, service members are often placed in high-stress situations that may lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. When they experience sexual coercion, it can exacerbate these symptoms and cause long-term psychological consequences such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social isolation, and decreased self-esteem.