Abstract: Experiences with Sexual Harassment, Stalking, and Sexual Assault during Military Service Among LGBT and Non-LGBT Service Members (Society for Social Work and Research 23rd Annual Conference - Ending Gender Based, Family and Community Violence)

Schedule:

Friday, January 18, 2019: 5:30 PM

Golden Gate 5, Lobby Level (Hilton San Francisco)

* noted as presenting author

Ashley Schuyler, Doctoral Student, Oregon State University, OR

Cary Klemmer, MSW, Doctoral Student, University of Southern California, CA

Mary Rose Mamey, PhD, Sr. Biostatistician, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Sheree M. Schrager, PhD, Managing Director, California State University, Northridge, Northridge, CA

Carl Castro, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Jeremy Goldbach, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Ian W. Holloway, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA

Background and Purpose: Sexual violence is a persistent problem in the US military and may be especially so for LGBT servicemembers. Though existing research is limited, certain military dynamics (e.g. hypermasculine culture) and the environment fostered by the remnants of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy may enhance risk of military sexual harassment (MSH), stalking, and sexual assault (MSA) for these servicemembers. These experiences are believed to act along a continuum of harm, with sexual harassment and stalking creating environments conducive to sexual assault. The current analysis uses data from the Military Acceptance Project to examine experiences of MSH, stalking, and MSA during service among a sample of lesbian , gay, bisexual and transgencer (LGBT) and heterosexual, cisgender (non-LGBT) active duty service members.

Methods: A mixed-methods study assessing the experiences and well-being of LGBT service members was conducted. Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit a sample of active duty service members serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Sexual violence experiences (i.e., MSH, stalking, and MSA) were measured in an anonymous online survey using language from the Uniformed Code of Military Justice and prior Department of Defense (DOD) surveys. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the odds of LGB and transgender servicemembers experiencing sexual violence compared to non-LGBT service members. Additionally, we analyzed qualitative data, collected from LGBT service members (n=41) during the study’s formative phase to aid in survey development, to understand experiences and perceptions of military-related sexual violence.

Results: Bivariate findings indicated that MSA was reported by a significantly greater proportion of servicemembers who identified as LGB (LGB; 24.6%, B=0.57) and transgender (29%, B=0.79) than by non-LGBT servicemembers (15.6%; p<0.02). LGB service members also reported significantly higher rates of stalking (39.4%, B=0.72) and MSH (81.1%, B=1.25) compared with their non-LGBT peers (23.8%, 55.0% respectively; p≤0.001). Significant sex differences were observed among only non-LGBT participants, with females demonstrating higher rates of MSA and MSH than males (p=0.003). Transgender service members reported significantly greater rates of sexual harassment (83.3%; B=1.41, p<0.001), but not stalking (28.3%; B=0.23, p=0.46), compared to their non-LGBT peers. Overall, experiences of MSH (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.4 - 4.2) and stalking (OR: 3.1, CI: 2.0 - 4.8) were associated with significantly increased odds of MSA. Qualitative data also describe several experiences with MSA victimization and perceptions of a culture which facilitates discrimination and harassment.

Conclusions and Implications: The enhanced risk of MSA and MSH among LGBT service members is in line with recent DOD findings (DOD, 2017). Furthermore, the current study may represent some of the first data on experiences of stalking among military service members. Our study demonstrates that stalking is prevalent, especially among LGB service members, and along with MSH may increase risk of MSA. Further research on these experiences is indicated. As the military works to integrate servicemembers of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, there is a need for practical approaches that foster gender equity, and prevent sexual violence for those most at risk.