There has been an increased awareness of the prevalence and harmful effects of sexual coercion among military personnel. This type of nonconsensual sex can have lasting negative consequences for both partners involved in the encounter, including reduced trust in others and decreased psychological resilience.
It is less well understood how these experiences may impact long-term relationship functioning and whether they can be overcome through effective intervention. In this article, I will explore how sexual coercion can affect long-term relationship dynamics and discuss ways to help couples build trust and rebuild their emotional connection.
Let's define sexual coercion. Coercion is when one person pressures another into engaging in sexual activity without their consent. It can take many forms, from physical force to verbal threats or manipulation. Military service members are particularly vulnerable to this type of behavior due to factors such as isolation, stress, and power imbalances within the ranks. According to recent studies, up to one-third of women and one-fifth of men who serve in the armed forces report experiencing some form of sexual assault during their time in uniform. These incidents often go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, and a belief that reporting won't lead to justice.
Sexual coercion can have profound consequences for long-term relationships. One study found that victims of coercive sex were more likely to experience lower levels of intimacy and satisfaction in their romantic relationships compared to those who had consensual encounters. They also reported higher rates of distrust and anxiety around sex, which can damage their overall level of trust in partners.
Being on guard against potential perpetrators can make it difficult for them to relax and connect with their partner emotionally. This can create a cycle of mistrust and distance that may be hard to break without outside intervention.
There are steps that both individuals and couples can take to address these challenges. First, it's important for victims to seek support and healing from professionals trained in trauma recovery. Therapy can help them process their experiences, rebuild self-esteem, and learn healthy communication strategies.
Couples therapy can provide a safe space to discuss past traumas and build new patterns of interaction. It is also essential for partners to prioritize open communication and active listening to build mutual understanding and empathy. This can include sharing vulnerabilities and boundaries, setting clear expectations for sexual interactions, and learning to read nonverbal cues. By working together towards greater transparency and emotional connection, couples can build resilience and rekindle the trust needed for lasting relationship success.
Sexual coercion has significant negative impacts on long-term relationship functioning, social trust, and psychological resilience after military service.
Effective intervention and ongoing communication can help couples overcome these challenges and move forward with strengthened bonds. Through therapy, vulnerability, and mutual understanding, they can build a stronger foundation for their future together.
How does sexual coercion impact long-term relationship functioning, social trust, and psychological resilience after military service?
Sexual coercion can negatively impact long-term relationship functioning as it may result in a lack of trust between partners and lead to feelings of shame, fear, and isolation (Brown et al. , 2018). This can further affect social relationships and lead to difficulties with intimacy and communication.