Sexual coercion refers to nonconsensual sexual activities, unwanted touching, and forced sex in which an individual is subjected to sexual demands against their will. Sexual coercion can occur in many forms such as rape, physical violence, psychological manipulation, verbal pressure, harassment, and threats that lead to the violation of someone's consent to engage in sexual activity. In operational units where members have to work together closely for extended periods of time, sexual coercion may undermine trust, relational security, and unit cohesion.
Trust
The impact of sexual coercion on trust depends on the nature of the relationship between individuals involved in the incident. If the perpetrator is a superior officer who forces subordinates to engage in sexual acts, it could create distrust between them. This may result in reduced productivity and efficiency in completing tasks or missions. The victim may also feel betrayed, ashamed, and unable to trust others due to fear of further assault or retaliation. Victims might even develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. It can affect how they perform their job duties, resulting in lower morale among team members. Trust in the military leadership and institution can be eroded if there are no repercussions for perpetrators.
Relational Security
Relational security involves feeling safe, secure, protected, and supported by one another within the unit. When sexual coercion occurs, victims may experience feelings of isolation, guilt, shame, and lack of control over their own bodies, which can damage their ability to form strong relationships with other members. They may become paranoid about interactions with colleagues and hesitant to report incidents for fear of backlash or victim blaming. Perpetrators may use threats to silence victims, creating a hostile environment where everyone feels vulnerable and unsafe. This leads to a breakdown in communication, collaboration, and cohesion, impairing mission success.
Unit Cohesion
Unit cohesion refers to the sense of unity, belonging, and commitment that members have towards each other and the organization. Sexual coercion undermines this sense of shared identity, values, purpose, and loyalty. Victims may feel like outcasts who cannot fit into the group because they were forced to engage in nonconsensual sex. Members may also question their loyalty to the unit if it fails to address the issue effectively, leading to disillusionment, resentment, and demoralization. It could result in high turnover rates, low recruitment numbers, and reduced combat effectiveness.
Sexual coercion poses significant risks to trust, relational security, and unit cohesion in operational units. Victims suffer psychological trauma, while perpetrators benefit from the power imbalance they create. Units must take proactive measures to prevent such incidents and provide support to victims when they occur.
How does sexual coercion affect trust, relational security, and unit cohesion in operational units?
The psychological and social impact of sexual coercion can be profound and long-lasting for both victims and perpetrators. In the context of military operations, it can damage relationships within teams and units by creating mistrust, fear, and anxiety among team members. It can also lead to a sense of betrayal and violation of personal boundaries, which can have a ripple effect on other interactions within the unit.