Sexual Trauma in the Workplace and the Military

Sexual trauma is a reality in most systems, including the military.

If you are a woman who has been sexually harassed or assaulted within your workplace by a higher-ranking boss, you have been morally injured. Betrayal within your team and by a supervisor is one of the worst kinds of betrayal.

The Cost of Betrayal

At first, betrayal such as sexual assault is obvious. Over time, however, in order for a woman to adapt and keep her job, she often must lose a part of herself and pay a heavy cost to continue on in a toxic culture.

A woman in this situation is usually faced with two choices:

• Blow the whistle and risk being forever black-marked, vilified, or labeled a “problem” (sometimes a hero, but at a huge cost to herself).
• Quit and end her career.

There is another choice many women feel forced into: “suck it up,” push it down, and move on. But over time, the price of suppressing harassment becomes too toxic. Eventually, her mental health suffers, and she is left with no choice but to leave.

Power Imbalance in Workplace Relationships

When a woman works under a colleague who is higher ranking or in a position of authority—regardless of sexual orientation—that boss holds power that can be used against her.

This is why being in a sexual relationship with a subordinate is wrong. Put simply: it’s a power imbalance.

Some women and men are manipulated into sexual relationships by their superiors. But even if someone consents, that does not make the relationship any less harmful to the subordinate.

The Betrayal of Values

Women who serve—whether in the military or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police—do so because they believe in the values and principles of serving their community and country.

A superior who takes advantage of this is committing one of the worst kinds of betrayal: abusing both power and trust.

The Role of Social Awareness and Change

Thankfully, social media has been a powerful influence in raising awareness of why sexual assault and rape are crimes.

Today, more than ever before, women are coming forward, standing up, and demanding a safe workplace. This cultural shift is vital for accountability and change.

The Psychological Impact of Sexual Trauma

If you have been a victim of sexual harassment or workplace assault, you may be suffering from post-traumatic stress injuries.

Symptoms can include:

• Intrusive thoughts
• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Anxiety and hypervigilance
• Emotional exhaustion or numbness

It’s important to reach out rather than isolate. Please remember: you are not alone.

Healing with EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be very effective in treating trauma symptoms. It helps desensitize triggers, process traumatic memories, and reduce post-traumatic stress.

In therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain process experiences that feel “stuck.” This allows survivors to reprocess the trauma in a safe and supported way.

About Crystal Arber

Crystal Arber is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor. She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant.

She specializes in working with:

• First Responders
• Canadian Forces and Veterans
• Survivors of sexual trauma and workplace harassment

Through EMDR, she provides a safe place to process what has happened and helps survivors reclaim their sense of strength, safety, and wholeness.

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