Elsevier

Aggression and Violent Behavior

Volume 15, Issue 4, July–August 2010, Pages 267-277
Aggression and Violent Behavior

Sexual assault in the U.S. military: A review of the literature and recommendations for the future

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2010.01.005Get rights and content

Abstract

The purpose of the current review was to examine sexual assault in the United States military. The current paper reviews prevalence rates, factors that may contribute to the high rates of sexual assault within the military, and the effects of military sexual violence. The paper also investigates the military's response to combating sexual assault among its servicemembers as well as recommendations for further improvement. Sexual assault continues to be a problem within the armed forces. And, although the military has recently implemented many new programs and prevention efforts, there continues to be a need for change within the military in order to reduce sexual victimization and perpetration. There also needs to be more evaluation of the current programs in order to determine their effectiveness.

Section snippets

Prevalence of sexual assault in the military

Sexual violence is an endemic problem in our society, as evidenced by the fact that approximately 18% to 25% of American women report experiencing either an attempted or completed rape in their lifetimes (Fisher et al., 2000, Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000). A more recent national study reported that 11% of U.S. women reported an incident of completed rape in their lifetime (Basile, Chen, Black & Saltzman, 2007). Among men, approximately 3% to 4% of American men report an attempted or completed rape

Psychological effects of assault

The psychological effects of sexual assault have been well-documented for both women and men. Studies show that men and women who have been assaulted often have high rates of depression and anxiety symptoms (e.g., Elliott et al., 2004, Ratner et al., 2003, Thompson et al., 2003), substance abuse and dependence (e.g., Burnam et al., 1988, Ullman & Brecklin, 2003), sexual dysfunctions (Becker et al., 1986, Elliott et al., 2004, van Berlo & Ensink, 2000), and post-traumatic stress disorder

Why are these rates so high?

Even considering the lowest reported sexual assault rates, a large number of servicemembers are being affected by sexual violence. The occurrence of this violence goes directly against the values, honor codes, and laws of the U.S. military and instead harms those who have sworn to serve and protect their country. In order to prevent sexual violence, it is important to understand factors that may facilitate or increase violence in the military. It is likely that there is no single factor, but a

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