A growing body of research suggests that sexual assault during military deployment can have lasting effects on veterans' mental health and wellbeing.
There is limited understanding of how these experiences influence psychosocial adaptation, emotional resilience, and recovery post-deployment. This article will explore this question by providing an overview of research findings and examining key themes related to coercive sexual experiences among military personnel. First, it will discuss the prevalence and types of sexual assault experienced by servicemembers during deployment. Second, it will examine factors that may contribute to the development of psychological distress after traumatic events such as coercive sexual experiences. Third, it will explore how military culture, stigma, and gender norms impact the reporting of sexual assault. Fourth, it will review evidence for the effectiveness of treatment interventions designed to support victims/survivors of sexual violence.
It will offer recommendations for future research directions and interventions to address this issue in the military context.
Prevalence and Types of Sexual Assault Experienced During Deployment
The United States Department of Defense defines sexual assault as "unwanted sexual contact or behavior" (U.S. Department of Defense, 2013). According to a survey conducted by the RAND Corporation, nearly one-third of female service members reported experiencing sexual harassment or assault while deployed between 2014 and 2016 (Davis et al., 2018). The majority of these incidents occurred within the first six months of deployment and were perpetrated by fellow soldiers or other service members rather than civilians (Davis et al., 2018). In addition, male veterans also report being sexually victimized during deployment (Davis et al., 2018; Seal et al., 2019), although they are less likely to disclose their experience due to social norms around masculinity and heterosexuality (Seal et al., 2019). These findings suggest that coercive sexual experiences are common among servicemembers, especially women and men who identify as LGBTQ+.
Factors That Contribute to Psychosocial Adaptation Post-Deployment
Research has identified several factors that contribute to psychological distress after traumatic events such as sexual violence. One key factor is the perceived threat to physical safety (Bourque et al., 2017; Shay et al., 2015). When individuals feel unsafe in their environment, they may be more susceptible to anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Shay et al., 2015). This is particularly true for female service members who have experienced sexual assault or harassment while deployed. Another important factor is the availability of support systems and resources (Wood et al., 2016). Victims/survivors who receive adequate emotional and practical support from family, friends, and colleagues may be better able to cope with trauma than those who do not (Wood et al., 2016).
Cultural attitudes towards mental health can also play a role in whether victims seek help or remain silent about their experiences (Bourque et al., 2017).
Military culture places a strong emphasis on toughness and resilience, which may discourage veterans from seeking help for mental health concerns (Bourque et al., 2017).
Military Culture, Stigma, and Gender Norms
Studies suggest that the stigma associated with sexual assault can deter servicemembers from reporting these incidents (Seal et al., 2019). In addition, gender norms and expectations within the military may contribute to victim blaming and minimization of sexual violence (Davis et al., 2018; Seal et al., 2019). Women are often seen as "weaker" and less capable of defending themselves against attackers, while men are expected to maintain control over their bodies and sexuality (Davis et al., 2018). These attitudes can create barriers to disclosure and effective treatment.
Many victims feel ashamed, guilty, or confused about their experience and may struggle to reconcile it with their identity as soldiers (Seal et al., 2019). Consequently, they may avoid seeking help or engage in coping strategies such as substance abuse or self-harm (Seal et al., 2019).
Treatment Interventions Designed To Support Victims/Survivors Of Sexual Violence
Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments for PTSD symptoms among veterans who have experienced coercive sexual experiences during deployment (Bourque et al., 2017; Wood et al., 2016). These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (Wood et al., 2016). CBT helps individuals challenge negative beliefs and behaviors related to trauma, while exposure therapy involves gradually confronting memories of the assault through imagery or real-life scenarios (Wood et al., 2016). EMDR is a newer approach that combines elements of both CBT and exposure therapy (Wood et al., 2016). While these interventions show promise, more research is needed on tailored approaches for military personnel, particularly those who identify as LGBTQ+. In addition, victims/survivors may benefit from support groups or peer counseling led by other servicemembers who have shared similar experiences (Davis et al., 2018).
Recommendations For Future Research Directions And Interventions
How do coercive sexual experiences shape psychosocial adaptation, emotional resilience, and recovery post-deployment?
Research on military personnel has shown that experiences of being sexually coerced can have significant effects on their mental health after deployment, with some studies indicating that it may even lead to long-term changes in neurobiology. These experiences include unwanted sexual contact as well as sexual assault, which are often seen as violations of personal boundaries and power imbalances between perpetrators and victims.