Poster #10

A Scoping Review of Alcohol-Related Sexual Assaults Among Veterans and U.S. Active Duty Service Members

By: Erin Miggantz, PhD. Co-authored by Lindsay Orchowski, PhD, Jessica Beltran, B.S., Kristen H. Walter, PhD, Julia Hollingsworth, B.A., Kelly Cue Davis, PhD., Zoe Zong, B.A., Richard Meza-Lopez, B.S., Anna Hutchins, B.S., & Amanda Gilmore, PhD

Abstract:

Sexual assault (SA) is a significant public health concern, including for the U.S. Military. Although research suggests alcohol is a risk factor for SA, data on the extent of alcohol involvement in SAs within the military has not been synthesized. This scoping review addresses this research gap by evaluating the literature on alcohol-related SAs among U.S. service members and veterans and identifying other knowledge gaps. Included articles were written in English, published in the last 25 years, reported alcohol-related SA statistics, and sampled U.S. active duty service members, reservists, or veterans who experienced SA during service. Of 2,436 articles identified, 32 met eligibility criteria. Rates of alcohol-related SAs ranged from 14-56% for servicemen, and 21-80% for servicewomen, with a trend for rates to increase over time. Although percentage ranges varied, alcohol use was frequently reported in SAs and rates were higher for servicewomen than men. However, included studies used different definitions and measures of SA and alcohol-related SA, making reliable comparisons across studies difficult. Reducing SA is a national and military priority, and it is imperative to examine rates over time. To accomplish this and ensure that service members are fit for duty, survey measures and definitions should be standardized.

Erin miggantz, PhD

Dr. Erin Miggantz is a Clinical Research Psychologist at the Naval Health Research Center in San Diego. She has over 9 years of experience conducting research on PTSD and other mental health concerns of U.S. Military Service members.