Sexual Assault In The Military Essay Example

Despite the numerous SHARP classes that service members receive, sexual harassment and assault continue to increase. To diminish these cases, we must enforce a stronger trust system, a proper education on SHARP, and a more aware leadership. As an army, our mission is to create a professional work environment free of sexual violence.

Sexual assault occurs in the military because the work environment fosters this behavior. Because the military has a ranking system, the perpetrators abuse their power and control to commit acts of sexual assault. They feel a sense of self-entitlement and the need to dominate soldiers with less rank. According to the 2016-2020 DoD SAPRO Reports, over 56% of reported crimes involved a higher-ranking soldier.

Numerous crimes are also unreported because victims feel unable to reach out. Over 76.1% of victims did not report the crime. Victims often feel helpless because they believe the perpetrator’s position cannot be challenged. Victims are also afraid that they will not be taken seriously by their chain of command. The victim's rank, job, and reputation can also be put on the line for going against a higher. In one case, SPC Valerie Coe said in an interview “I was afraid, would they take my word, or would they take his word?”.

Perpetrators use alcohol and drugs to manipulate the victim into doing sexual favors. It is commonplace for soldiers to share alcohol. Whether it be at parties or social gatherings, studies have shown that alcohol intoxication impairs both the perpetrators and the victim’s reasoning process. Drugs also alter the mind and cause the victim to lose control of their body. The use of alcohol and drugs ties into date rape victim-blaming. Many times, a victim is blamed by the perpetrator for the way they dress, behave, or lives.

Our current approach does not reduce the risk of sexual assault and harassment. Soldiers have many classes on SHARP in the fiscal year. However, it isn't about how many classes are taught, it is how that matters. Poor leadership impacts education, the military standard, and the conduct of the soldiers that follow. For example, when soldiers see that their leadership doesn’t lead by example, they do not either. For example, SPC Coe said in her interview, “They would joke about things which just, in turn, led to everyone joking because if the instructor couldn’t take it seriously, then no one in the class did.”  Because her leadership failed to inform the risks effectively, the perpetrator took and did not take the sexual offense seriously.

No one can truly end sexual violence, but by enforcing a “No Tolerance Policy” it can be greatly reduced. Holding the assailant accountable for the actions through the means of punishment will reduce sexual violence. Practicing awareness is also a solution. For example, at social gatherings, sexual assault can be lowered if leaders tracked and checked on their soldiers. Leadership can brief their soldiers on alcohol and drug consumption. Another way of practicing awareness is to pay attention to language or actions that resemble sexual harassment/assault. Correcting these behaviors right away can reduce these crimes.

As an Army, our goal is to understand why sexual harassment and assault occur and how we can prevent it. We aim to not only protect and serve the country but also look after the well-being of soldiers. We will do this by properly educating soldiers and spreading awareness about sexual harassment and assault. These crimes have no place in the Army. We hold the utmost standard of professionalism, strength, and confidence.