Sexual Assaults in the US Military is Not a New Issue

The press is publishing more frequent accounts of sexual assault of women in the armed forces. In 2013 sexual assaults in the military were up 50 percent from a year before. Although we’re seeing more incidences of assault in the news, this is not a new issue. In 1995 the Department of Defense conducted a large study of sexual victimization among active duty populations. They found high rates of harassment and sexual assault. So what’s going on here?

The rates of sexual assault increase during wartime. One writer indicated that an overall loosening of morals associated with violence can increase the risk of violence across dimensions. High levels of aggression and testosterone gone wild during combat are too frequently directed toward women.

Sexual assault is often unreported. Active duty troops live and work together in tight knit groups. In combat zones they have to depend upon each other for their lives. Divulging any negative information about a fellow soldier is considered taboo. They may not be believed, or be encouraged to keep silent. Their report may be ignored, or they may be blamed. This means that victims have ongoing contact with their abuser. This creates a sense of feeling helpless, powerless and places them at risk for further abuse.

Also, perpetrators are frequently peers or supervisors responsible for making decisions about evaluations and promotions. Sometimes victims are forced to choose between continuing their military careers in which they have ongoing contact with their perpetrators or sacrificing their careers in order to protect themselves from more harm.

The Senate Veterans Affairs Committee brought the problem of sexual trauma to the policy maker’s attention (prior to the study). They passed public laws in 1992 which authorized screening and treatment from the consequences of sexual harassment and assault. Screening and treatment for victims however, is not a deterrent. As we can see, assault has increased over time, not decreased.

The Army now has a Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program designed to prevent sexual harassment and sexual assaults before they occur. Given the number of ongoing assaults, its effectiveness is limited.

I am aware of a resource developed in Canada that offers pragmatic help to the problem. White Ribbon Campaign, www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk, is about men working to end violence. “Most men are not violent toward women, but many of us ignore the problem, or see it as something which doesn’t have anything to do with us. We need to join women and women’s organizations in taking action to end the problem.” Check them out and take the pledge. Sexual assault is a crime that can be prevented. Let’s get it done.