The organizational context of non-lethal workplace violence: its interpersonal, temporal, and spatial correlates

Factors associated with women's risk of rape in the military environment

BACKGROUND

Health hazards specific to women workers have not been adequately documented. This study assessed military environmental factors associated with rape occurring during military service, while controlling for pre-military trauma experiences.

METHODS

A national cross-sectional survey of 558 women veterans serving in Vietnam or in subsequent eras was obtained through structured telephone interviews.

RESULTS

Rape was reported by 30% (n = 151) of participants, with consistent rates found across eras [corrected]. Military environmental factors were associated with increased likelihood of rape, including: sexual harassment allowed by officers (P < 0.0001), unwanted sexual advances on-duty (P < 0.0001) and in sleeping quarters (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Violence towards military women has identifiable risk factors. Work and living environments where unwanted sexual behaviors occurred were associated with increased odds of rape. Officer leadership played an important role in the military environment and safety of women. Assailant alcohol and/or drug abuse at time of rape was notable. Interventions and policies based on modifiable environmental risk factors are needed to increase protection for women in the workplace.

The military environment: risk factors for women's non-fatal assaults

Little is known regarding environmental exposures for non-fatal violence toward women in the workplace. We sought to identify factors associated with non-fatal physical assault occurring to women during military service. A cross-sectional telephone survey of a national sample of 558 women veterans who served in Vietnam and subsequent eras of military service was conducted; 537 women were interviewed. Twenty-three percent experienced non-fatal physical assault during military service. Rates of assault were consistent across eras of service. Military environmental exposures, including sexual harassment allowed by officers (P < 0.0001) and unwanted sexual advances while on duty (P < .0001) and in sleeping quarters (P < 0.0001), were independent risk factors for assault. Environmental factors in the military workplace, including leadership behavior, appeared to promote violence toward military women. Such occupational factors can be identified and should be eliminated.