The Women of Honour report exposes widespread abuses and bungled investigations
One section of the report reveals how some female members of the Defence Forces have been told to “maintain two locks on their cabin or bedroom doors if there has been an attempt to assault or forcibly enter their sleeping quarters in the past”.
The review also heard graphic descriptions of alleged physical assault. Women described being subject to weekly punishment at the hands of their male colleagues, particularly when on career development or promotional courses. Because of their gender, they were subjected to “physical and mental torture”.
In terms of sexual harassment, the following was reported: the use of sexualised language, regular and unwanted physical contact, leering and staring, questions about “personal promiscuity”, the display of pornographic materials, indecent exposure, violent language about rape, references to female genitalia or menstruation, and female members being followed around the barracks.
An overarching theme was that many female members of the Defence Forces felt there was “no point” in making a complaint about sexual harassment or assault. Female members who became pregnant faced even more challenges. The review said “there currently appears to be no acceptance of motherhood as a concept”.
Some of these women also felt that they were asked to do tasks that were inappropriate, especially if they were at an advanced stage of pregnancy, and in some cases they felt that that caused danger for their unborn child.
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