Chaunte discusses the impact of her personal experiences of sexual harassment and military sexual trauma during her time in the Service, and the experience of being looked down on for being female in the civilian world despite her military accomplishments.
View Video TranscriptChaunte:
I had a supervisor at the very beginning who tried to take advantage of situations and I was very young at the time, so I never really said anything, I never came out and wanted to basically tell on him. I'm a very strong Christian so I believe you know what comes around goes around and God will always take care of it.
A year later the same guy that tried to take advantage of me ended, he was taking advantage of other airmen and he actually got put in prison so he was taken care of. Another situation, I had a supervisor who was just…he was hateful. He was always mean, he was very hard on me and I took even though I was successful at my job I had won many awards early on in the Air Force, I did a very good job, so I knew I was confident in my job and I kind of ignored him and one day I finally snapped and I told him, “Would you treat your wife, your child, your grandmother, your aunt…any of these women in your life would you treat this way? Because I am somebody’s daughter.”
It's the way that many try to come across very hard I think, or they come across as condescending and they’re going to try to lure you into their bedroom. It is a lot of times one spectrum to the other and it’s a learning process. The biggest thing for me that has been a struggle is walking into get a job now and finishing my degree and having my accolades, all of my accomplishments and feeling like I am an E6 in the United States Air Force and walking into a room with confidence, I’ve had troops, I’ve had people that I have taken care of and now walking into get a job I feel at times that I am looked at…I’m judged quickly. You know whether it’s because I am a blonde, to I have done my make-up to I’m in a dress. You know it depends on who’s doing the hiring process. I feel like as a woman it’s so hard to either you deal with jealousy and insecurities or again you deal with a man who is trying to sleep with you. There’s no in between and you realize that it has to be you and I have to come across stronger.
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The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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