Prevalence and timing of sexual assaults in a sample of male and female U.S. Army soldiers

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence and timing of sexual assault experiences in a sample of U.S. Army soldiers. Methods: Self-administered surveys were completed by 555 male and 573 female soldiers in combat service and combat service support units. Results: One-fifth of the women reported a completed rape (22.6%), and 50.9% of women and 6.7% of men reported any sexual assault. The majority of sexual assaults occurred before the soldiers entered the military, and 25% of women and 1% of men reported an attempted or completed rape during childhood. Sexual assault history also varied by sociodemographic characteristics. Conclusion: Results suggest that a history of childhood sexual abuse may be more widespread among female soldiers than among civilian women, and that ascribed and achieved status characteristics may differentially expose soldiers to sexual assaults both before and after they enter the military. Health care assessments should include details of a soldier's sexual assault history.