SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN MILITARY AND HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: A DUAL-PERSPECTIVE REFLECTION

Authors

  • Siti Athirah Zafirah Abdul Rashid Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Sg. Besi Camp, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Siti Hajar Adam Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Sg. Besi Camp, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Nor Faiza Mohd Tohit Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, 43400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Wan Farizatul Shima Wan Ahmad Fakuradzi Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Sg. Besi Camp, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • Nur 'Adnin Ahmad Zaidi Department of Pre-Clinical, Faculty of Medicine and Defence Health, National Defence University of Malaysia, Sg. Besi Camp, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Keywords:

Sexual Exploitation, Public Health, Trauma, Combat Sexual Exploitation

Abstract

Sexual exploitation remains a critical issue affecting individuals in various sectors, particularly in defence and healthcare. Military institutions face challenges related to hierarchical structures and power dynamics that may facilitate such exploitation, while healthcare professionals deal with the long-term consequences experienced by victims. This article reflects on the issue from both perspectives, highlighting preventive measures, institutional responsibilities, and the necessity for an integrated approach to address the problem effectively. By fostering a culture of accountability and support, both sectors can work collaboratively to combat sexual exploitation and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Furlong, C., & Hinnant, B. (2024). Sex trafficking vulnerabilities in context: An analysis of 1,264 case files of adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. PLOS ONE, 19(11), e0311131.

[2] Frank, P., Batty, G. D., Pentti, J., Jokela, M., Ervasti, J., Steptoe, A., Lewis, G., & Kivimäki, M. (2024). Impact of physical and sexual abuse on risk of hospitalisations for physical and mental illnesses: Insights from two large prospective cohort studies. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, 41, 100845.

[3] Stern, J. (2015). Reducing sexual exploitation and abuse in UN peacekeeping: Ten years after the Zeid Report. Stimson Center.

[4] McGlynn, C., & Westmarland, N. (2019). Seeking justice for survivors of sexual violence: Recognition, voice and consequences. Criminology & Criminal Justice, 19(3), 275–291.

[5] Wilson, L. C. (2018). The prevalence of military sexual trauma: A meta-analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 19(5), 584–597.

[6] Lankford, A. (2012). An analysis of sexual assault in the U.S. military, 2004–2009. Journal of Military and Strategic Studies, 14(2).

[7] Mueller, K. L. (2016). Understanding our military survivors of sexual assault. In R. L. Moore & S. R. Miller (Eds.), Caring for the military: A guide for helping professionals (pp. 132–142). Routledge.

[8] Gidycz, C. A., Wyatt, J., Galbreath, N. W., Axelrad, S. H., & McCone, D. R. (2018). Sexual assault prevention in the military: Key issues and recommendations. Military Psychology, 30(3), 240–251.

[9] Houser, K. (2007). Analysis and implications of the omission of offenders in the DoD Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force Report. Violence Against Women, 13(9), 961–970.

[10] Brown, A., Millman, H., Easterbrook, B., Heber, A., Park, R., Lanius, R., Nazarov, A., Jetly, R., Stanley-Aikens, R., Sanderson, C., Hutchins, C., Darte, K., Hall, A. L., Brémault-Phillips, S., Smith-MacDonald, L., Doak, D., Oakley, T., Nicholson, A. A., … McKinnon, M. C. (2022). Working together to address sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 8, 85–93.

[11] Callaghan, W. (2020). Military masculinities and the erasure of sexual violence in military culture. Atlantis: Critical Studies in Gender, Culture & Social Justice, 41(2), 36–48.

[12] Taber, N. (2017). Deconstructing and reconstructing military culture: Deconstructing and reconstructing the gendered military. Journal of Human Trafficking, 3(4), 307–320.

[13] World Health Organization. (2017). Sexual exploitation and abuse: Prevent and protect – What you need to know and do. World Health Organization.

[14] Beardslee, W. R., Klosinski, L. E., Saltzman, W., Mogil, C., Pangelinan, S., McKnight, C. P., & Lester, P. (2013). Dissemination of family-centered prevention for military and veteran families: Adaptations and adoption within community and military systems of care. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 16(4), 394–409.

[15] Burdeu, R., Allchin, B., & Harding, K. E. (2025). Effectiveness of brief interventions for sexual assault survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse. Advance online publication.

[16] Kızıltaş, Ö., Fidancı, İ., Aksoy, H., & Ayhan Başer, D. (2025). Health care experiences of female sex workers: A qualitative study. Family Practice, 42(4), Article cmaf048.

[17] Mensah, R. O., Opoku, D., & Boateng, W. (2025). Sociological exploration into sexual crime exploitation among underage vulnerable girls in Ghana. Discover Global Society, 3(1), Article 27.

Downloads

Published

23-05-2026

How to Cite

Abdul Rashid, S. A. Z., Adam, S. H., Mohd Tohit, N. F., Wan Ahmad Fakuradzi, W. F. S., & Ahmad Zaidi, N. ’Adnin. (2026). SEXUAL EXPLOITATION IN MILITARY AND HEALTHCARE SETTINGS: A DUAL-PERSPECTIVE REFLECTION. Zulfaqar Journal of Defence Science, Engineering & Technology, 9(1). Retrieved from https://zulfaqarjdset.upnm.edu.my/index.php/zjdset/article/view/172

Issue

Section

Articles