Defence Online

New report shows the extent of sexual harassment in the army

Land February 15, 2019

A new report has highlighted the number of servicewomen who have experienced sexual harassment in the armed forces.

New figures from the Sexual Harassment Survey and Bolt Burdon Kemp reports into the British Army and the Royal Navy have revealed the startling extent of harassment incidents. The majority of victims were women, but male members of the armed forces experienced it too.

The survey detailed incidents of general sexualised behaviour targeted sexualised behaviours and more serious cases of sexual assault. It found that 15% of women and 3% of men had experienced such inappropriate and abusive conduct.

These figures indicate that around 4,100 women in the armed service have experienced some form of harassment. Previous reports indicate the majority of offenders are male, and few cases result in disciplinary action.

The level of harassment is being described by some as a contributing factor in falling numbers of people joining the military. Other reports indicate a lack of job satisfaction among both male and female servicepeople.

Mental health disorders have also risen by 78% over the last 8 years and the number of people leaving the sector is steadily increasing. Victims of harassment reported losing respect for colleagues and suffering breakdowns after their experiences.

Former Member of the RAF Rebecca Crookshank described the lack of action taken by her superiors when she complained about the humiliating and inappropriate treatment she experienced from male colleagues:  “When I made a complaint, the flight lieutenant who was in charge insisted on having a meeting with me in my bedroom. My private space; the only space that was just for me and felt safe.”

“He told me I needed to ‘suck it up and stick it out’, offered me a flight on a Tornado F3 in exchange and threatened me with a bad report. I was very much pushed into a corner and silenced.”

In response to the figures, the MOD is emphasising the positive contribution of servicewomen. Bolt Burdon Kemp, which specialises in assault and harassment in the military, has added a section to their website celebrating women in the armed forces and highlighting the abuse they often face.

If you would like to join our community and read more articles like this then please click here.

ethics mental health RAF Servicewomen sexual harassment veterans mental health Women in Defence Women’s Royal Naval Service

Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.