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Abstract: 

In the August/September issue of Sex Offender Law Report we reviewed the available literature related to alcohol and sexually inappropriate behavior generally (see “Understanding Alcohol and Sexual Offending Using the Integrated Risk Assessment and Treatment System Model” (https://tinyurl.com/5e6bfy25). This article focuses specifically on alcohol and sexual offending in the military. Because there has been little attention paid to this matter, at least within the peer-reviewed literature, this topic deserves special attention. In our review of the literature on sexual assault and substance abuse, we spotlighted specific populations that may be at heightened risk of alcohol- and drug-facilitated sexual assault and populations that may be overlooked and thus underrepresented in treatment protocols and public awareness. The intersection of substance abuse and sexual assault is commonly referred to as drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA), which is defined as a nonconsensual act of sexual violence perpetrated on a person who is incapacitated or unable to give consent to a sexual act. These crimes often go unreported due to the victim sometimes taking part in the voluntary consumption of a mind-altering substance, including alcohol, before the assault and feeling guilty, shamed, or responsible. Militaries worldwide are seeing a heightened level of gender equality in roles ranging from support to active combat details. Indeed, female veterans are the fastest-growing demographic within the U.S. military due to these changes. With this growth of gender inclusion, we are also seeing a dramatic increase in sexual assault victimization among female soldiers and increased substance abuse, including, but not limited to, alcohol and other common substances attributed to cases of DFSA.

Keywords: Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault (DFSA); Sexual Assault Among Female Soldiers; Assault Risk Factors; Treatment Targets

Affiliations:  1: Ontario Tech University; 2: Private Practice; 3: John Jay College; 4: Private Practice; 5: Ontario Tech University.