Examining Sexual Assault in the Military: Individual Cultural and Structural Contributors to Silence and Intervention: Kevin Ortiz Diaz's Dissertation Defense
Downloads an .ics file · Times are in America/New_York · Google Calendar
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL BULLETIN
ANNOUNCEMENT
Florida International University
University Graduate School
Doctoral Dissertation Defense
Abstract
Examining Sexual Assault in the Military: Individual Cultural and Structural Contributors to Silence and Intervention
by
Kevin Ortiz Diaz
Sexual violence remains a significant challenge in the U.S. military, yet gaps persist in understanding what shapes reporting, help-seeking, and responses to male survivors. This dissertation addressed those gaps through three studies of military sexual trauma (MST), beliefs about male victimization, and institutional trust.
The first study reviewed 28 studies and identified six categories of barriers to reporting and help-seeking: stigma, gender, knowledge, logistics, trust, and identity. It also identified three categories of facilitators and highlighted research gaps concerning men, LGBTQ+ service members, racial and ethnic minorities, and disclosure. The second study surveyed 215 current and former service members. Male rape myth endorsement was higher among men, non-White respondents, officers, and political conservatives; sexual orientation was not a significant predictor. The third study examined 232 service members and found that greater myth endorsement predicted less willingness to intervene or report sexual misconduct, while greater confidence in the reporting system predicted more willingness to act. Veterans reported lower institutional trust than active-duty participants. Qualitative findings also pointed to masculinity norms, stigma, and victim blaming as barriers.
Together, the studies suggest that improving responses to MST requires trustworthy reporting processes and attention to beliefs about gender and victimization. They support survivor-centered policies, inclusive education, and leadership that responds effectively to survivors of every gender.
Date: October 29, 2026
Department: Psychology
Time: 3:00 pm
Major Professor: Dr. Maureen C. Kenny
Place: DM223
More like this near Doral
Going to Examining Sexual Assault in the Military? Ask me anything about it.
I read the organiser's pages and answer in a few seconds.
Answers are AI-generated · Privacy