Defense: Bundeswehr study shows: Almost three out of four female soldiers experience sexual harassment

Berlin. According to a new study, sexual harassment in the Bundeswehr is even more widespread than previously known. Based on their entire period of service, 72 percent of female soldiers said they had been verbally harassed at least once, according to the army's first so-called dark field study presented on Wednesday.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) stated that the extent significantly exceeded the known reporting figures and promised: “There is zero tolerance for sexual misconduct in the Bundeswehr.” As a result, Pistorius announced a 34-point action plan that includes, among other things, new counseling services and stricter control of superiors.

According to the study, young women in lower ranks and non-heterosexual men are particularly disproportionately affected by misconduct. The perpetrators are predominantly men. Nine percent of female soldiers and three percent of male soldiers said they had experienced physical sexual misconduct in the past twelve months.

Two percent each of women and men reported sexual violence. Another finding is that crew members on ships or boats are affected disproportionately often, which is attributed to the narrow confines and duration of the operations.

Pistorius said the analysis had revealed “unpleasant truths”. Nevertheless, the study was necessary. "Politics begins with looking at reality. I can only take effective measures if I acknowledge and acknowledge reality."

This is the first comprehensive investigation of its kind in the Bundeswehr. The Bundeswehr's Center for Military History and Social Sciences wrote to around 45,000 soldiers, 18 percent of whom responded. According to the information, the data is scientifically representative.

A key finding of the study is reporting behavior: only a sixth to a third of cases are reported. The most common reason given by those affected was that they did not want to cause a stir. In addition, there is often a lack of knowledge about reporting channels and, in particular, trust in them. Procedures are perceived as stressful, and there is also social pressure from comrades and superiors.

The action plan presented by Pistorius should start here. An independent advice center called “HELP”, which was set up at the beginning of November, will be available around the clock and will provide confidential support to those affected. In addition, how superiors deal with reported cases should become a fixed criterion in their official assessment.

“Anyone who is not a role model, even tolerates misconduct or does not deal with it consistently will no longer have a leadership role,” said Pistorius. At the same time, superiors are to receive more intensive training and be supported by a new investigative group.

The minister emphasized that the issue is not only about respect for human dignity, but also about the readiness of the troops. “Because if you don’t have respect for your comrade in times of peace, how can your comrade be able to rely on someone who treats him like that in an emergency?” The vast majority of soldiers behave correctly. However, the grievances must be remedied consistently. Pistorius announced that he would repeat the dark field study in the future to check the effectiveness of the measures.