‘Systemic’ sexual misconduct in German armed forces, study finds
Some 40% of female soldiers and 20% of male soldiers said they had experienced at least one form of sexual misconduct in the past year.
A major study has revealed that sexual misconduct in Germany's armed forces is far more widespread than official records suggest, with most cases remaining unreported. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius acknowledged the issue as a "systemic problem" during a presentation of the study's findings to the defense committee in parliament.
According to the report, sexual misconduct was three to six times more common than previously thought, affecting both male and female soldiers. Over 40% of female soldiers and about 20% of male soldiers reported experiencing at least one form of sexual misconduct in the past year, including unwanted comments, touching, and violence.
The study, which involved an anonymous survey of over 8,100 soldiers, found that only one-sixth to one-third of incidents were reported, often due to fear of repercussions or doubts about the effectiveness of reporting. Pistorius promised "zero tolerance" for sexual misconduct and unveiled a 34-point plan to improve victim protection and reporting procedures, including a new advice service available 24/7. Commanders who fail to address misconduct properly may no longer hold leadership positions.
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