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Military sexual trauma among males higher than previously reported

Recent data utilizing a novel reporting technique indicate a rate of male military sexual trauma more than 15 times higher than the rate based on traditional reporting techniques.

“Addressing military sexual trauma has recently become a focus of significant attention for military leaders, policy and law makers, and researchers,” Sean C. Sheppard, PhD, of the National Center for Veterans Studies, University of Utah, and colleagues wrote. “A range of barriers may discourage the reporting of sexual assault for both men and women. These include the fear of not being believed, self-blame, embarrassment and shame, and concerns about confidentiality. Additional barriers to reporting sexual assault in military populations include concerns about being charged under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for behaviors associated with the assault (eg, underage drinking) as well as fears of ostracization and retaliation. The unique military culture that promotes discipline, loyalty, and cohesion may further discourage reporting of [military sexual trauma].”

To assess the effect of anonymity and stigma on reporting of military sexual trauma, researchers used the unmatched count technique, a type of random response technique that provides complete individual anonymity while allowing interpretation at the group level. A cross-sectional convenience sample of 180 Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veterans reported history for military sexual trauma via traditional anonymous self-report and the unmatched count technique.

The unmatched count technique indicated a rate of male military sexual trauma more than 15 times higher than the rate derived from traditional anonymous self-reports (17.2% vs. 1.1%).

“The present findings suggest that rates of male [military sexual trauma] may be higher than previously reported, which in turn has several important clinical implications,” Sheppard and colleagues wrote. “The most obvious include the recommendation that health care (particularly behavioral health) providers routinely assess for history of [military sexual trauma]. Given the impact of stigma suggested from our findings, this also warrants consideration of the manner and timing of such assessment. Considerations include asking about history of [military sexual trauma] more than once (and in more than one way), and ensuring appropriate rapport and trust has been established before inquiring about this potentially sensitive aspect of a patient’s history.”– by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Sheppard reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all authors’ relevant financial disclosures.