Sexual assault in the army occurs for several interconnected reasons including the military culture, power dynamics, and close living and working conditions. Common reasons include:
- The typical perpetrator is often a male enlisted peer or a superior, indicating power-related abuses and rank dynamics contribute significantly. Assaults by strangers are rare, showing it often involves known individuals within the military community.
- Many assaults are intended to be abusive or humiliating rather than purely sexual, reflecting harmful power and control motives deeper than sexual interest.
- The military chain of command can complicate reporting and justice, as commanders have significant control over investigations and outcomes, which can deter victims from reporting or result in insufficient consequences for perpetrators.
- The military culture and unit command climate can foster environments where such harmful behaviors are more likely to occur, especially if the culture is unhealthy or permissive towards misconduct.
- Sexual assaults often occur within military installations or during duty hours, where victims must continue living and working closely with perpetrators, adding to the trauma and complexity.
- Alcohol use is frequently involved during incidents, which can factor into vulnerability though does not cause the assaults themselves.
- Survivors face profound betrayal and powerlessness because trust within tight-knit military units is critical; assaults rupture these essential bonds.
In summary, sexual assault in the army is driven by a combination of power imbalances, cultural factors within military units, the hierarchical command structure, and the close, dependent living and working environment of soldiers, all of which create vulnerabilities and barriers to prevention and justice.
