German military promises action after report shows widespread sexual abuse
A survey found sexual misconduct in the Bundeswehr was 3 to 5 times higher than reported cases, prompting a zero-tolerance action plan.
- On Nov 11, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius promised new measures to combat sexual abuse in the military, calling the rise in reported cases "unacceptable" after a damning report revealed widespread misconduct.
- The Centre of Military History and Social Sciences found that 40% of female soldiers and around 19% of male soldiers experienced sexual misconduct in the past 12 months, with non-heterosexual personnel disproportionately affected.
- Abuse ranged from verbal harassment to visual abuse, unwanted touching, or in 2% of cases, sexual violence; actual incidents are likely three to five times higher than officially reported to the military.
- Pistorius added that anyone who fails to set an example, tolerates misconduct, or fails to deal with it consistently will "no longer hold a leadership position" within the armed forces.
- These findings emerge as Germany aims to build up its military into Europe's most powerful, targeting at least 260,000 active-duty soldiers and around 200,000 reservists after decades of underinvestment since the Cold War.
80 Articles
80 Articles
A COMPREHENSIVE study has revealed that sexual harassment in the German military is a systemic problem and much more common than official reports indicate. Minister Pistorius has announced zero tolerance.
German military promises action after report shows widespread sexual abuse
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius promised new measures to combat sexual abuse in the military on Wednesday after a report showed widespread misconduct at a time the armed forces are trying to attract more young women to the ranks.
Sexualized misconduct is more widespread in the Bundeswehr than so far known. Younger women are particularly affected. Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius demands "zero tolerance".
Younger women in lower positions and non-heterosexual men were particularly affected.
Most cases of sexual abuse in Germany's armed forces are not reported, according to an important study presented on Wednesday. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recognized a "systemic problem" in the way the army manages...
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