Relationships and expectations in contemporary contexts

¶ … persistent existence of sexual violence within the United States armed forces is a fact that has been long recognized by policymakers, military officials, health care professionals and the news media. The risk of exposure by women service members to sexual violence within the military is high and the PENs model will help to break down this issue systematically.

The VHA policies with regard to military sexual trauma represents a uniquely comprehensive set of health care responses to military sexual trauma. Results have attested to the success of universal screening. The health literature regarding military sexual trauma will be particularly important and will guide them to help both male and female veterans overcome the traumas of war.

We will see that vocational training helps the service members overcome military sex trauma through regained confidence and self-esteem.

Military Sex Trauma

Perceptions

In the article by Carter and Leach on Military sexual trauma (MST), it was found that it can cause mental and physical illness in both men and women. In this way, the perception of oppression is beyond just men and extends to women in the military as well. It can influence behavior as well as the ability to work with others. MST encompasses a wide array of unwanted sexual attentions from gender harassment to more serious sexual coercion/gang rape and sexual assaults in the U.S. . The victims perceive that they can not go past the crisis and that no one understands them . Among military service members there has been a general perception that false reports of incidents of military sexual trauma are common

(Carter & Leach, 2011, 33).

Enablers

Often those present in the U.S. military culture among servicements is the idea that mission comes first. Therefore, when a military service member accuses a perpetrator in the same militaryunit, it is often for the accuser to be considered to be disloyal to their unit. Military values of selfless service, come into play. Courage, respect, honor, discipline and a refusal to accept defeat may create a belief that reporting military service members disrespects those hallowed values. This is because victims are not in the power position. Also, a work environment like the military is one where men and women both live together 24 hours a day. Gender and sexual harassment is tolerated. The potential to create and foster an environment where such incidents of violence against women are much higher that in the civilian society (ibid., 4).

Nuturers

With regard to nurturing, successful recovery is contingent upon a positive experience in prevocational training that can provide the confidence to succeed in job related education and skills development. This includes developing the appropriate accommodations and supports. When combined with placement services, success in the activities can promote a readjustment to civilian life, and reduce the negative feelings generated by MST. Also, it is vital to recognize that service providers such as mental health personnel, vocational counselors and psychologists provide valuable information/services to the veteran and rehabilitation counselor (ibid., 11-12).

Conclusion