Military Sexual Trauma

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I believe that this statement paper about the enforcing of new laws for women in the military who become victim to Military Sexual Trauma should go to Michelle Obama. She is not only the first lady of our country but more than anything she is a woman and a mother. Her influence and authority would be great enough to bring about change. I’m sure she is well aware of the issue at hand but I believe that she should be aware of the impact she could have on women all around the world by teaming up with her husband to shed light to an issue that has been constantly swept under the rug. As Obama’s presidential term comes to an end he has the power (with the influence of Michelle) to introduce and implement at least one law that will bring equality …show more content…
Although the rank of women in the military is improving there are still gender difference issues that greatly affect the mental health and well-being of countless women that serve our country. Women who serve in the military face numerous challenges but growing on the list is the risk of experiencing military sexual trauma. Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is defined as sexual harassment or repeated, unsolicited, threatening acts of sexual harassment that occurs during the military service (Rowe et al 2009). There are many studies that show the correlation between women experiencing sexual trauma and developing mental health problems such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety while in service. The issues that stem from MST do not hold any firm laws, consequences, or repercussions for the male perpetrator because of the setup of our government and court …show more content…
The growing concern highlights gender differences in depth within the military walls. Many women are not equally ranked or on the same social status as men. In order to maintain their position or avoid conflict with higher power they keep the rape incidents quiet. It is sickening to think that a man would use his authority to take advantage of a woman that he has teamed up with to bring liberty as well as protect the lives of other people. The fact that women keep quiet about it gives the man the thought that he can continue what it is that he is doing as often as he wants to because he is certain that he won’t get caught or be punished if he is caught. Lori Katz, Lindsey E. Bloor, Geta Conjucar, and Taylor Draper (2007) conducted a study that showed 6 of 10 women with MST reported that sexual harassment or rape occurred weekly or on a daily basis during their time of duty. One woman reported that she was pressured to have sex against her will by men in her unit every month. She stated that she just “went with it” in order to avoid repercussions (Katz et al 2007). As a result of this horrific experience in addition to a long history of abuse and sexual trauma, the woman begin to have rage attacks, abuse different substances, and engaged in self- harming acts such as cutting herself once she returned home. The thought of this
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