1 in 5 women in the military has been sexually harassed
THE shocking scale of sexual misconduct towards women in the military has been revealed in a survey – adding to “a long line of reports” highlighting the issue.
It found female recruits face a major risk of emotional bullying, sexual harassment and physical assault in the Armed Forces.
Some 22.5 per cent or one in five said they had been sexually harassed, while 5.1 per cent recalled being sexually assaulted.
Emotional bullying was suffered by 22.7 per cent, while 3.3 per cent said they had been phys- ically assaulted. Some 750 veterans were questioned. There are 16,500 women in our military, 11 per cent of all personnel.
Researchers said: “It is worth considering whether organisational and leadership changes can be made to better protect military women.”
And they note: “Even women holding higher power positions may be at risk of victimisation from their own superiors.”
Women in combat roles were more likely to be sexually assaulted, the study in the BMJ Military Health journal said.
Younger women or those who held the rank of officer were most at risk of emotional bullying and sexual harassment.
The team of researchers made contact with those in the study through a charity that supports women veterans.
Emma Norton, boss of the
Centre for Military Justice, said: “The BMJ research is, sadly, the latest in a long line of reports, studies and evidence that shows what a hostile environment the Armed Forces can be for women.
“Endemic, pernicious sexism characterises the experiences of the women that contact our charity for help.
“At best, women describe having to adapt their behaviour and expectations to suit the ‘white male prototype’ that, on the MoD’s own shocking evidence, can so often be defensive, resistant and hostile to change.
“More alarming though are the reports we receive of bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape. When things go wrong, they go very badly wrong for women.”
The study added: “Many women do not report adverse service experiences due to fear of the consequences of doing so and may continue to suffer from increased mental health distress during and after military service.”
It called for better reporting procedures and consideration on “whether existing support is adequate to support the mental health needs of women who experienced military adversity”.
Study lead author Laura Hendrikx, at Combat Stress, said: “While most female veterans had positive experiences during their military career, it is shocking to see the prevalence of sexual and physical assault, sexual harassment and bullying that a significant minority experience.”
She said many “continue to struggle with their mental health after service has ended”.
Brigadier Fiona Gardner, of the Women’s Royal Army Corps Association, said the report “made for difficult reading” but she was “proud that a number of our members felt able to contribute to the research”.
The Ministry of Defence said it was committed to “improving the experience for women in the Armed Forces” and had launched a 24/7 confidential and independent
Forces helpline.
‘Many struggle with mental health after their service has ended’