75% of women and 35% of men in the Bundeswehr have experienced sexual harassment - study.
This was the conclusion reached by the authors of a study published by the Center for Military History and Social Sciences of the Bundeswehr. According to his data, we are mostly talking about obscene statements and statements with a sexual tone. Unwanted visual behavior, such as showing or sending pornographic images, was reported by 7% of military personnel and 5% of male military personnel. 9% of women and 3% of men experienced physical harassment. 2% of military personnel of both sexes experienced sexual violence.
Especially often, young women in low military positions, as well as men who do not consider themselves heterosexual, become victims of harassment. At least 96% of the alleged perpetrators are men.
Such cases are rarely reported. Only about one in five reports of verbal manifestations of sexual violence are received by the relevant authorities, and one in six of visual manifestations. The same picture is observed in the case of physical harassment and violence.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he was shocked by these figures. According to him, the Bundeswehr must have "zero tolerance for sexual violations". The minister announced drastic measures and presented a 34-point action plan. In particular, it includes the Help advisory service created at the beginning of November. She is "outside the military hierarchy," Pistorius emphasized. Thanks to this, victims can apply for a "confidential" name.