Why does sexual assault occur in the army?

Why Does Sexual Assault Occur in the Army?

The United States military has been grappling with the issue of sexual assault for decades. Despite efforts to prevent and respond to these crimes, sexual assault remains a persistent problem within the armed forces. According to the Department of Defense’s (DoD) 2020 Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, there were 14,913 reports of sexual assault in the military, with 12,349 of those reports involving service members.

What Drives Sexual Assault in the Army?

Sexual assault in the army is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to its occurrence. Some of the key drivers of sexual assault in the army include:

• Toxic Military Culture: The military’s culture, which emphasizes conformity, obedience, and loyalty, can create an environment where sexual harassment and assault are tolerated or even encouraged. This culture can be perpetuated by senior leaders who fail to hold perpetrators accountable.
• Power Imbalance: The military’s hierarchical structure can create power imbalances between service members, with those in positions of authority holding significant power over their subordinates. This power imbalance can be exploited by perpetrators to commit sexual assault.
• Gender and Sexuality: The military’s gender and sexuality dynamics can also contribute to sexual assault. Heterosexism and homophobia can create a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ service members, making them more vulnerable to sexual assault.
• Alcohol and Substance Abuse: Substance abuse and alcohol use can impair judgment and increase the likelihood of sexual assault. A 2019 study found that 71% of sexual assaults in the military involved alcohol or drug use.
• Lack of Reporting: The fear of retaliation, lack of trust in the chain of command, and concerns about the impact on their careers can prevent service members from reporting sexual assault. Only about 40% of sexual assaults are reported to the military, making it difficult to accurately track the scope of the problem.

How Can Sexual Assault be Prevented in the Army?

Preventing sexual assault in the army requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the root causes of this problem. Some strategies include:

• Cultural Change: The military must work to create a culture that values respect, dignity, and consent. This can be achieved through training programs, policy changes, and leadership buy-in.
• Improved Reporting and Response: The military must ensure that reporting sexual assault is safe, confidential, and anonymous. This can be achieved through the use of trained sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates.
• Prevention and Education: The military must provide comprehensive education and training on sexual assault prevention, consent, and bystander intervention. This can include training on power dynamics, gender and sexuality, and the impact of substance abuse.
• Accountability and Discipline: The military must hold perpetrators accountable for their actions and ensure that they are disciplined and punished accordingly. This can include increasing the severity of punishments for sexual assault and providing support to victims.

Conclusion

Sexual assault in the army is a complex and deeply ingrained problem that requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to prevent and respond to. By addressing the root causes of sexual assault, including toxic military culture, power imbalances, and lack of reporting, the military can work to create a safer and more respectful environment for all service members.

Table: Sexual Assault in the Military

Note: The prevalence rate is the percentage of service members who reported experiencing sexual assault in the past 12 months.

References:

• Department of Defense. (2020). Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). Sexual Assault in the Military.
• Military Times. (2020). Sexual Assault in the Military: A Growing Concern.