Protecting but Not Protected: Sexual Assault in the Military

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to uncover common themes among tweets shared by victims of military sexual assault (MSA) and make suggestions for policy implications. By using Twitter as a unique data source, researchers were able to analyze self-report data that were not available elsewhere. Results of this qualitative study indicate leadership has a profound impact on MSA. Leaders failed victims in several ways: some were the offenders, some hindered the reporting process, and others ridiculed the victim. Researchers suggest reevaluation of current programs, creation of training programs for military leaders, and adequate resources be made available to MSA victims.

KEYWORDS:

• Military sexual assault
• MSA
• leadership
• victimization
• military

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Drs. Sarah Hupp-Williamson and Dave Ayers for their helpful guidance throughout the entirety of this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).