Women veterans experience a different reality than their brothers in arms

By Dr. Allan English

“Women veterans experience a different reality than their brothers in arms” was the title of an article published in April 2019 in by the Library of Parliament’s Hill Notes (https://hillnotes.ca/2019/04/02/women-veterans-experience-a-different-reality-than-their-brothers-in-arms/). It summarized the findings of a number of reports that found that female veterans had lower incomes than male veterans and higher suicide rates than them as well as a suicide rate almost twice that of civilian women. The article also pointed out that sexual trauma “experienced during military service has far-reaching consequences for survivors,” and that between 16% and 27% of female Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members have reported being victims of sexual assault in the military. Studies have shown that experiencing sexual assault “considerably increased” the risk of female veterans suffering a mental disorder, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What the article did not discuss is a major underlying cause of the sexual assaults that negatively affected life after service for female veterans – the CAF’s culture. However, this cause was identified by Justice Marie Deschamps in her March 2015 report on Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Harassment in the Canadian Armed Forces, which found that, “…an underlying sexualized culture in the CAF that is hostile to women and LGTBQ members, and conducive to more serious incidents of sexual harassment and assault.” Parts of this culture are based on a “hyper-masculine,” sexualized American “warrior culture” that reinforces gender stereotypes objectifies women and LGBTQ personnel, creates a sense that male warriors are “entitled” to sexual favours, and normalizes myths about sexual assault that contribute to “creating or sustaining a cultural environment where sexual assaults can occur and thrive,” according to American studies.

Despite its aim to “eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour within the CAF” through Operation Honour and “comprehensive culture change,” the Canadian military has failed to do so. Unless the CAF changes its culture, it will continue to have adverse effects on the mental and physical health of female servicemembers and veterans.