¶ … Sexual Assault in the Military
Sexual assault against women in the U.S. military is a problem that continues to be brought to the forefront. This is because there is a culture which encourages and allows it to occur. The result is that women are traumatized by these events and some will look for other opportunities elsewhere. This hurts the combat readiness of all units. To address these issues, a zero tolerance policy needs to be implemented. This will change attitudes and it will lead to an increase in actions that are supporting the most core values. Over the course of time, this will improve professionalism and flexibility. On the modern day battlefield, these attributes are necessary for prevailing against an adversary who is using changing tactics and weapons. This is when the U.S. military can continue to maintain its dominance and serve a positive force for change.
Introduction
The U.S. military prides itself on professionalism and the ability to adjust with the changes in society. It has traditionally been at the forefront of these shifts by encouraging integration and desegregation of its units. This serves as an example to society surrounding positive contributions it makes in these areas. However, these images are being tarnished by a string of sexual assaults in every single branch of the service. In response, the Pentagon is conducting investigations and disciplining a number of individuals. In spite of these actions, the total amount sexual assaults continue to remain stubbornly high. To fully understand what is happening requires focusing on the effects of sexual assault, the causes and recommendations. Together, these elements will illustrate the scope of the problem and the solutions for addressing it. (Monahan, 2011)
The effects of sexual assault in the military
The Women Armed Services Integration Act of 1948 opens the door for women to permanently serve as members of the military. Since its passages, more women are signing up, serving in high ranking positions and playing an active role in hazardous operations. Never before has the U.S. military been so integrated. On the surface, these transitions are benefiting everyone by integrating different personalities, skills, experiences and mindsets to achieve critical objectives. In an era when the combat ready warfare is constantly changing, women are enhancing its flexibility to adjust to new threats and tactics. (Monahan, 2011)
For example, a study that was conducted by Pew Research found that the total number of women in serving in the military increased from 42 thousand (in 1973) to 167 thousand (in 2010). The total number who served in combat is 15%. This is lower in comparison with their male counterparts (which is 35%). These figures are showing that more women are serving in a variety of roles. (Patten, 2011)
However, the reality is that there a sub-culture which refuses to see women as their equals. This is when many are humiliated and often the target of sexual harassment and assaults. Over the long-term, these experiences can have a negative impact upon them. Anytime there is some kind of sexual assault, there is the possibility of lingering effects. This is because the person is traumatized by what happened and forced to relive certain them. (Monahan, 2011)
In the case of women who serve in the military, these issues are more complicated. This is from them feeling the personal sense of violence when someone engages in actions to take something. During the process, they are showing their control and letting the victim know who is in charge. These actions create feelings of helplessness in a community where everyone is supposed to have a sense of shared values. The result is that women will often suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is brought about from the lingering effects of trauma that happens to someone. In all cases, the individual is reliving these events and will react to what they perceive is happening to them. In some situations, this can result in violence directed at loved ones, friends, family, the general public and law enforcement. While at other times, the individual will become more withdrawn and suffer from extreme forms of depression. (Monahan, 2011)
In the case of women, they are more likely to develop PTSD. What increases the odds of it occurring are a number of factors to include: past mental health issues, severe / life threatening trauma, sexual assault, injuries during an event, the lack of social support and stressful incidents after them. Commenting about these shifts, the VA found that women are placed in situations where they...
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