Date
12-19-2023
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Joseph Torres
Keywords
Military, sexual assault, trauma, feminist
Disciplines
Counseling | Psychology
Recommended Citation
Preston, Brandy R., "Sisters in Harm: A Phenomenological Study Examining Active-Duty Military Women’s Lived Experiences of Military Sexual Assault and Trauma" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5137.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5137
Abstract
There has been a plethora of research studies conducted on the staggering statistics surrounding military sexual trauma (MST) and how the armed forces have systematically failed to provide appropriate protections for women who experience military sexual assault (MSA). However, firsthand experiences from active-duty women who experienced MSA and the possible secondary trauma they experienced have very little documentation besides that from a quantitative research point of view. Studies surrounding survivors’ personal experiences are even more limited. Within this body of research, a phenomenological approach is used to describe the contextual and perceptual experiences surrounding active-duty women who are survivors of MSA. The literature review is examined through a feminist theoretical perspective to determine social, cultural, and systemic complexities within military structures and how survivors can be empowered, validated, and supported while continuing to serve their country.
