Sexual assault and harassment

Sexual assault and harassment

Sexual assault and harassment is a demeaning and traumatizing experience. Its definition encompasses unsolicited sexual contact on the victim that results in embarrassment and fear. In the military, the occurrence of sexual harassment and assault is baffling, especially in the light of the training, code of conduct, and rules that military personnel is bound to. The effects of sexual harassment and assault are far-reaching, traumatizing the victims years after their service to the military ends. Despite numerous efforts to end sexual harassment, the vice still plagues the military. It is crucial to address the root causes to ensure that people enlisting in the military go through their service without having to contend with sexual malice.

Why Does Sexual Assault Occur?

Sexual offenses in the military are shrouded in complexity, which requires understanding to have a chance at addressing them. While I investigated the causes of sexual assault, it became evident that the root causes are not much different in the military from the cases occurring in the civilian world. Gender stereotypes are the most prevalent cause I came across. For centuries, the military has been a male-dominated career. However, women have come up that have risen in the ranks of the military, showing great potential. It is not farfetched to imagine that some men may feel threatened by a woman being better at military action than they are.

My research also brought up evidence of men suffering from sexual assault. Although the vice predominantly occurs against women, men have reported half as many cases. Men who struggle with hyper-masculinity experience entitlement, especially when they are in positions of leadership in the military. They use their elevated positions to lord their authority over others. Sexual assault and harassment are an easy way to dominate over juniors, especially when they need their recommendations for advancement in career. Many women have left the service prematurely due to the career ceiling put above them using sexual harassment.

Effect of Training Approach to Sexual Assault.

I have realized that a social vice can only thrive in a culture that enables it. Sexual assault in the military continues to occur even with measures put in place to mitigate it. It is, therefore, a sound conclusion that an enabling environment exists within the military. Individual and team performance receives high value in the military. A leader might be in an awkward position when a low-performing individual reports a top performer of sexual harassment. Most leaders end up brushing the incidence aside, if not supporting the top performer. Coupling performance with allegiance and discouragement from being a ‘snitch’ creates a suitable environment for unaddressed sexual assault cases.

Recommendations

It is essential to investigate and charge assault cases in the military thoroughly. Part of the high regard people have for the military is founded in their discipline and respect. A military officer found guilty of a sexual offense should face the law, no matter how high-ranking they are, holding them to their vow of respect and honor for their fellow officers. I have witnessed tremendous effort put into reporting and investigating assault charges, which gives victims the courage to report offenses. I recommend more support for victims, which will reduce the cases of sexual aggression and increase confidence in reporting those that occur.

Conclusion

Sexual assault and harassment in the military are resolvable. Many have suffered and ended their career prematurely due to this vice. However, we cannot deny the progress so far into mitigating the situation. It is vital to look into age-old military culture behavior that provides an environment for sexual harassment to thrive. All military officers should uphold their vow to respect their fellow officers and be their brother’s keeper while in the service.