Overview of sexual coercion
Sexual coercion refers to nonconsensual sexual acts, including touching, kissing, penetration, or exhibitionism. It can occur between strangers, acquaintances, spouses, or partners in committed relationships. Military personnel are particularly vulnerable due to their unique social context and power dynamics. According to a study conducted among female service members who reported past-year incidents of sexual assault, 92% experienced some form of sexual coercion, with 65% involving physical force and 40% involving emotional manipulation. Coercers may be civilians, other military members, supervisors, or even friends. Experiences of sexual coercion have been linked to negative psychosocial outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, suicide attempts, and substance abuse. Longitudinal studies following survivors from before to after the incident demonstrate that these effects persist over time. The present article explores how experiences of sexual coercion affect psychosocial outcomes for military personnel.
Psychosocial outcomes
Sexual coercion is associated with PTSD symptoms because it involves forced exposure to unwanted stimuli that can trigger trauma responses. Survivors report high levels of fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, and anger about the experience. They also report feeling violated and betrayed by those they trusted. As a result, they often avoid intimacy and sex altogether, which can lead to relationship problems. Emotional numbing, detachment, and dissociation are common consequences of sexual coercion, leading to difficulty expressing feelings and forming close bonds with others. Sexual coercion can damage self-esteem and identity, creating feelings of worthlessness and loss of control. It can also lead to social withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness. These outcomes negatively impact mental health and quality of life.
Military context
The military culture emphasizes discipline, order, and obedience, making it difficult for survivors to seek help. Reporting incidents may involve stigma, blame, and retaliation. Victims may feel ashamed or guilty, which further reinforces silence. The chain of command and legal system are not always supportive of victims, especially if the perpetrator has higher rank or status.
Recent reforms have made it easier for service members to come forward. Mental health services have become more available in recent years, including through the Military Sexual Trauma program (MST). The National Guard Bureau provides resources for Guard members who experienced sexual assault while on active duty. Awareness campaigns promote prevention and reporting, encouraging bystander intervention when necessary.
There is still much work to be done to improve experiences of sexual coercion among military personnel.
Sexual coercion affects many aspects of psychosocial functioning over time. Survivors experience long-term PTSD symptoms, relationship problems, low self-esteem, and other negative outcomes. The unique military context creates additional barriers to seeking help and receiving justice. Despite these challenges, steps have been taken to address sexual coercion, such as reforms to the chain of command and increased access to mental health care. More research and policy changes are needed to improve survivors' experiences and prevent future incidents.
How do experiences of sexual coercion affect psychosocial outcomes for military personnel over time?
While there are some studies that have suggested a correlation between experiences of sexual coercion during military service and negative long-term mental health outcomes, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression, more research is needed to understand how these experiences may contribute to psychosocial outcomes among this population.