Risk Factors Associated with Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces: Does It Vary by Sex and Environmental Command?

Abstract

Using the Survey on Sexual Misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (n = 43,440) we examined risk factors associated with the experience of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). We used logistic regression models to identify predictors of being a target of sexual misconduct among CAF members. We also examined whether risk factors associated with sexual misconduct vary by sex and environmental command (Army, Navy, Air Force, or Military Personnel). The proportions of CAF members who experienced sexual assault, inappropriate sexualized behavior, or discriminatory behavior on the basis of sex and sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year were 2%, 18.4%, and 5.9%, respectively. The odds ratio of being the target for sexual assault or inappropriate sexual behavior and discriminatory behavior in the past year among females compared to males was 4.75 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.14 to 5.44), 2.55 (95% CI = 2.41 to 2.71), and 4.67 (95% CI = 4.3 to 5.08), respectively. Being a victim of one or more of the three types of sexual misconduct in the past year was associated with one or more of the following factors: younger, single, Indigenous, disabled, lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, highly educated, or junior non-commissioned members of the CAF. Results were generally consistent when we stratified our analysis by sex and environmental command. These results suggest that sexual misconduct is a problem within the CAF. There is a need for change within the CAF to prevent sexual misconduct among at-risk members.