The Women’s Resource Center hosted a discussion Tuesday on the idea of “rape culture” and the high rate of sexual assault experienced by women in the military.

A “rape culture” is a culture in which sexual violence is prevalent, pervasive, and often condoned, said Sarah Bruhn, senior child development major and Women’s Resource Center employee. She added that the military often fosters this type of environment and is not doing enough to solve the problem.

“I can honestly say that despite it being a very troubling topic, it’s important,” said Rebecca Hannagan, assistant professor of political science. She added that rates of women in the military being sexually assaulted range anywhere from 9 to 70 percent, depending on the study.

The military world is very different from the civilian world and it’s harder for military women to come forward with their accounts of rape or sexual assault, Bruhn said. She explained that women are often encouraged to keep silent or face further problems. These problems include turning your back on a fellow soldier in a world where camaraderie is a fundamental or possibly having ask the person who assaulted them for help because they could be their superior.

Close bonds among groups of soldiers are essential for military survival.

Hannagan said these groups often think of themselves as bands of brothers. She added that the dynamic changes when women come into the picture because they are viewed as a threat to military cohesion.

“Novelty, tokenism is a recipe for disaster,” Hannagan said.

Cohesion remains intact in historical cases where women are viewed as sisters in the group just as men are viewed as brothers, Hannagan said.

Hannagan said it’s more likely men and women will get along if they establish the norm that they are brothers and sisters. It’s unlikely that a man will sexually assault someone he views as a sister.

There are ways group cohesion between men and women can be initiated early on.

“Building a culture that encourages brothers and sisters is not just a pipe dream,” she added.
Women need to be integrated into groups at the start of basic training, Hannagan said. She added that men and women will not always be able to perform the same jobs, but that they should have the same level of respect.

Some members of the audience have served in the military and recognized the issue being addressed.

“Men see women as a threat,” said JD Kammes, senior history major and president of the Veteran’s Club. “I was in a the military in an all male unit and were advised to stay away from women because any misunderstanding could end your career.”

Others found the information presented to them startling.

“One thing that stuck out is that women who are sexually assaulted might have to turn to the men who raped them for help because they’re their authority figure,” said Melissa Kardell, senior political science major. “They could hold their career in their hands.”

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