Sexual coercion is a form of sexual violence that occurs when someone uses force or threat to persuade another person into unwanted sexual contact. It can happen between people who know each other well, such as friends or partners, or between strangers. Sexual coercion can be verbal or physical and may include pressure, threats, manipulation, or force. Soldiers in active service face unique psychosocial risks associated with sexual coercion that require special consideration and support.
One risk factor for soldiers experiencing sexual coercion is social isolation. Being away from family and friends for long periods of time can increase feelings of loneliness and vulnerability, which makes them more susceptible to coercion.
Living in close quarters with other soldiers increases the likelihood of being pressured into sexual activity out of fear of reprisal or social stigma. Soldiers may also experience difficulty establishing healthy boundaries due to a lack of privacy, leading to an increased risk of coercion.
Another risk factor is cultural stigmatization around sex and gender roles. In many cultures, women are expected to remain virgins until marriage while men are encouraged to have multiple sexual partners. This creates an imbalance in power dynamics between men and women, making it easier for men to exploit their authority or status to coerce women into having sex.
Traditional masculinity norms that value aggression and domination can contribute to a culture of sexual entitlement, where men believe they are entitled to sex regardless of consent.
Sexual trauma during military service can also lead to PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, further increasing the likelihood of coercion. Traumatic experiences such as combat, injury, or loss can cause survivors' guilt, shame, and feelings of helplessness, which make them more likely to engage in risky behavior like sexual coercion.
The rigorous training regimen of military life can create a sense of hypervigilance and mistrust, making soldiers more prone to seeing threats where none exist and more likely to react aggressively when feeling threatened.
To address these psychosocial risks, commanders should provide regular education on sexual assault prevention and response protocols. Leaders should model respectful behavior toward all genders and encourage open communication about relationships, consent, and healthy boundaries. Mental health professionals should be available to help soldiers process their traumas and build resilience against re-traumatization.
Leaders must hold perpetrators accountable by investigating and disciplining those who commit sexual coercion, creating a safer environment for all soldiers.
What psychosocial risks are associated with sexual coercion for soldiers in active service?
The psychosocial risks of sexual coercion vary depending on the context in which it occurs and individual experiences. Generally speaking, sexual coercion can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. Soldiers who experience sexual coercion may also feel betrayed by their fellow soldiers and may struggle with trust issues.