Australian Defence Force faces urgent push to fix sexual violence culture
A Senate inquiry heard sexual violence remains deeply embedded in the Defence Force. Delay risks online extremism making the problem worse.
Sexual violence is a persistent problem in the ADF, a Senate inquiry heard on Monday. Witnesses told senators that years of inquiries and reports have produced little change.
Young recruits are now more likely to be influenced by misogynistic social media, which could deepen existing problems. Former federal judge Gary Rumble reviewed sexual assault in the defence force in 2011.
He recommended stopping recruitment advertising to women until safety standards are met. Servicewomen die by suicide at twice the rate of women in the general population.
Why it mattersThe inquiry is considering establishing an independent body to address the problem. Experts warn that ongoing delays risk letting online extremism make the culture worse.
AustraliaAustralia's Defence Force faces pressure to act fast on a serious problem affecting recruitment and retention, particularly of women.
Corroborated bythemandarin.com.au
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