Women in Australia’s defence force (ADF) are speaking out about the systemic failures that fail to protect them against sexual assault and harrassment, a dangerous reality that’s been rampant for far too long.
Aired on Sunday night, a new episode of 60 Minutes Australia saw investigative reporter Nick McKenzie sit down with three of these women as they reveal shocking allegations of attacks happening within the military, with little to no consequence.
One of the brave women, Jordyn Gray shared with the program that her dream career in the ADF had been destroyed because she alleged she’d been raped. Eighteen months into a posting at a remote base in the Northern Territory, Gray had reported being raped at a housewarming party by a man she barely knew.
After the incident, she was examined under mandatory reporting rules by hospital staff, who alerted the police. What followed was a criminal investigation, where rape charges were laid.
And yet, Gray says she was forced to live in fear as the alleged perpetrator was allowed to remain on the base even after the charges were given. Freedom of movement restrictions were meant to prevent him from coming near her, but they weren’t enforced and Gray continued to run into him on occasion.
“I ran into him on multiple occasions. He broke those freedom of movement instructions, and so I felt like nothing was going to stop that,” Gray told 60 Minutes.
“I had no ability to make my own decisions. He was supported at every turn. His boss gave him what he wanted.”
Female ex-serving members who served in combat or security roles are 452 per cent more likely to die by suicide than other Australian female citizens, according to the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. It’s an ongoing crisis, with an average of three deaths by suicide every fortnight over the last decade for women who’ve served in Australia’s defence forces.
“These are women whose lives are shattered, whose dream careers have been shattered,” Dr Samantha Crompvoets, a military sociologist and advisor to the former chief of defense, told 60 Minutes.
“What becomes really clear to those women really quickly is that they have no power in these situations. They’re actually really vulnerable, and they remain vulnerable, and that duty of care is not really taken seriously enough.”
When it comes to what is being done to finally put an end to the system’s failings, Lieutenant General Natasha Fox, the Chief People Officer of the Australian Defence Force said she is committed to making a difference.
Following the Royal Commission’s inquiry into the ADF, Fox says she and her colleagues listened to the stories and are working to implement the recommendations.
“I have more confidence this time, because there’s a more holistic view of changes that are required with oversight mechanisms and report requirements for defense to show the difference that we are making,” said Fox.
“We know trust is hard fought and really easily lost, and I know a lot of people and veterans have lost trust in defense.”
Australia’s oldest and largest not-for-profit organisation supporting women veterans, Women Veterans Australia (WVA) has responded to the 60 Minutes’ investigation saying the bravery of the women who chose to speak out with lived experience “is a powerful reminder of the ongoing strength and resilience of survivors who continue to face institutional betrayal and failure in pursuit of justice”.
With one in three women currently serving having reported sexual assault or harassment, WVA is calling on Defence leadership to acknowledge systemic failure, hold perpetrators and bystanders to account, centre survivor voices and take transparent and immediate action.
“We do not need another program or review. We need action,” said Llani Kennealy, Chair of Women Veterans Australia.
“It is not enough to reframe sexual violence as a ‘cultural issue.’ We must call it what it is: rape, assault, and abuse of power.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.