Sexual Harassment In The Military

Sexual harassment is defined as any unsolicited verbal or physical advances or behavior of a sexual nature which cause a person to feel unsafe, intimidated, or demoralized.     Sexual harassment is frequently discussed in the workplace, since Title VII contained within the Civil Rights Act of 1964 considers sexual harassment to be a form of sexual discrimination.

As such, it is not tolerated since it creates a hostile work environment.  Awareness seminars are conducted on the topic and Human Resource personnel are trained to deal with reported cases of sexual harassment in the workplace. At these times, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is called upon to investigate such reports.

Sexual Harassment in the Military
What happens, however, when sexual harassment occurs in a military setting? While it may seem unfathomable in an environment where safety and security are of utmost importance, cases of sexual harassment are nonetheless frequently reported.

Data collected over the past several years clearly indicate an increase in cases of sexual harassment in the military. Perhaps the most disturbing findings are that as many as one third of female military members report that they have been sexually harassed!

Reporting Procedure and Statistics in Military Sexual Harassment Cases
Experiencing sexual harassment is traumatic enough - making the decision to report it additionally stressful. In the workplace, an employee can go to his or her Human Resource person, and many times embarrassment, guilt or fear still keeps victims from reporting these abuses.

In the military, however, the chain of command typically requires reporting to one’s superior officer. Female soldiers in particular often fear retaliation and therefore do not report cases of sexual harassment.

A 2008 CNN report revealed alarming statistics from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that out of 60,000 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 22 percent of female soldiers (vs. 1 percent of male soldiers) were being treated for what they called “military sexual trauma”

Are You Being Sexually Harassed?
If you believe you are being sexually harassed in the workplace, whether in a military or non-military environment, there are laws in place to protect you. 

Whether you feel uncomfortable with sexual innuendoes in a conversation, pressured to grant or perform sexual ‘favors’ in order to retain a job, or, feel threatened by a hostile working environment, filing a sexual harassment claim can protect both you and your co-workers.

Fill out this short questionnaire and get connected to a sexual harassment lawyer in your area who can help inform you of your legal rights and options.