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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Brandie Weisz

LMSW, DSW Candidate

Military Culture and its Influence on Military Sexual Violence

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 9:00 am
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Abstract

This presentation explores the relationship between military culture and military sexual violence, highlighting the importance of a deeper understanding of this issue. Military culture, marked by values such as hierarchy and camaraderie, can foster environments where inappropriate behavior is often accepted. Elements like power imbalances and the fear of retaliation further complicate matters, frequently preventing victims from coming forward. This presentation discusses how, in order to address military sexual violence effectively, it is crucial to conduct research that delves into these cultural aspects. That research can aid in the creation of targeted prevention strategies and ultimately decrease the instances of military sexual violence and also gain a better understanding of how military culture may be unknowingly fostering an unsafe environment. By tackling these issues, the military can develop a safer environment and implement effective measures to decrease instances of sexual violence, ultimately fostering a culture that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and respect of all service members.

Biography

Brandie Weisz is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral and Community Health from Drury University in Springfield, Missouri, and pursued her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky.
With over five years of experience in the mental health field, Brandie has worked in mental health hospitals and facilities in Missouri and Texas. She currently serves as the Clinical Excellence Lead at Concert Health, providing essential mental health services in primary care and supporting those facing various mental health challenges.
Although she has always worked with various populations, Brandie is passionate about advocating for military service members and their families. As a military spouse and daughter, she has firsthand experience of the unique struggles those serving in the military face. This personal connection has driven her to engage in research actively focused on military culture and military sexual violence to enhance understanding and support for this population. Brandie's Capstone Project at the University of Kentucky focuses on taking a deeper look into military culture to assist in identifying if military culture influences military sexual violence.