Title : Power, the underlying psychosocial factor in sexual trauma
Abstract:
Background: There are many reports on the adverse impact of sexual trauma on mental health. In recent years, we have encountered a significant increase in the reported cases of sexual trauma. In workplaces where power hierarchy is an essence for the organization, there has been a tsunami of reports on sexual trauma (Zerubavel N, et al. Violence Against Women 2013). Empathy plays a defining role in human relationships and development. An article recently written in connection with the “Me Too” movement discussed how gaining power in men [SH1] correlates with the reduction in empathy (Stellar JE et al. J. Personality and Psych. 2015).
Objectives: To study the association between power and sexual trauma.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in a Women’s Mental Health Clinic over 18 months. Sexual assault caused by a higher rank serviceman among our women veterans’ population was reviewed and the prevalence was calculated. A total of 178 charts were reviewed from 03/2019 to 06/2021. The information of 79 patients with sufficient data [SH2] [MH3] were analyzed and various statistical parameters were calculated.
Results: A total of 79 charts had complete data for review. The distribution of military divisions was 40 (50%) army, 25 (31) % navy, and 9(11%) air force[SH4] [MH5] . Approximately 37% reported lifetime sexual trauma and 57% had military sexual trauma (MST). Among 45 who reported MST, the majority, 28 (62%), reported trauma from a higher rank serviceman.
Among army veterans, 22 (55%) reported MST of which 13 (59%) were by the higher rank serviceman. Among Navy veterans, 14 (56%) reported MST of which 10 (71%) were by a higher rank serviceman. Among Airforce veterans, 6 (66%) reported MST of which 3 (50%) were by higher rank. The association between the prevalence of assaultive behavior and a higher status in rank was demonstrated in this report.
Conclusions: Our finding supports that a higher position in status is likely a contributing factor for sexual assault. There is an opportunity to turn our attention into preventive measures, such as educating and training staff members to improve their compassion and empathy in the workplace and promoting assertive therapy among those who suffered sexual trauma.
