The Perceptions of Sexual Assault Prevention According to Military Spouses.

Abstract

Military spouses are at an increased vulnerability with regard to the potential of being sexually victimized. They are twice as likely as their civilian counterparts to experience sexual victimization. Despite the increased probability of sexual assault, not all military spouses perceive sexual assault and its prevention through the same lens. Recognizing that reality is subjective, the theoretical framework for this study was a constructivist paradigm. A qualitative case study was executed for the purpose of querying the perceptions of military spouses as it relates to sexual assault, its prevalence, and its prevention. The study employed the use of a web-based questionnaire consisting of 11 open-ended questions that included two scenario-based questions designed to explore perceptions of sexual assault, the need for a military spouse prevention program, and the catalyst for bystander intervention. Questionnaire results from 29 anonymous military wives whose husbands were affiliated with four out of the five branches of service were analyzed to gauge their perceptions specific to sexual assault and its prevention. The analysis of their responses resulted in the emergence of five themes related to sexual assault prevention that include the notion that military spouses view themselves as a vulnerable population for sexual victimization and its prevalence although little discussion is given to the topic. Results also indicated that a military spouse-targeted sexual assault prevention program is needed to familiarize military spouses with definitions of sexual assault and consent, reporting options, and victims' rights. The study also found that the majority of military spouses are not familiar with the resources and services available to victims of sexual assault. The overarching implication is that a prevention program for military spouses is needed to familiarize them with reporting options and services as well as mitigate occurrences of sexual assault through training and education.