By LEUT Aaron Matzkows
An
increase in the number of reported sexual offences and sexual
harassment in the Australian Defence Force did not necessarily
indicate an increase in actual incidents, a Defence Equity Organisation
(DEO) review suggests.
Indeed, the increase could be interpreted as an indication of
increased awareness of and confidence in the complaints process.
An article based on the confidential review, published in The
Australian newspaper recently, claimed the figures revealed “major
failings” in the ADF’s ability to deal with sexual intimidation.
Navy News has obtained the same documents as provided to The Australian
under Freedom of Information legislation.
The review shows most matters were resolved either through a form
of discipline, caution or counselling. It lists that in the 2002-03
year, 62 complaints of sexual offence were filed in the ADF.
Also, a total of 44 complaints of sexual harassment were made
by Navy personnel. There were 59 complaints from Army personnel
and 19 in the Air Force over the period.
As well as this total of 122, 10 complaints involved Defence public
servants and five were from contractors. Six Navy and two Air
Force men complained of harassment by women.
The review shows 15 harassment matters were resolved with formal
action being taken, two cases were decided under the Defence Force
Discipline Act, and 20 were resolved informally.
It says counselling was the most utilised informal resolution.
In 2001-02, there had been 57 complaints of sexual offences across
the three Services.
“While our reporting and resolution processes are working well,
one incident of harassment or one sexual offence is one too many,”
RADM Max Hancock, Deputy Chief of Navy, told Navy News.
“These kinds of behaviour have no place in the Navy and it’s everyone’s
responsibility to ensure that our workplace is safe, enjoyable
and healthy.”
The Department of Defence recently released the 2004 edition of
its Sexual Offence Management Guide.
Copies are available from the DEO.
The DEO also provides three toll-free, confidential, advice lines:
1800 803 831, 1800 644 247, 1800 626 254.
