Australia Apologizes For Sexual Harassment in the Armed Forces
The
Australian Government, in front of members of parliament on Monday
apologized to victims of sexual harassment in the armed forces and
promised compensation.
The action came after the government received hundreds of reports of rape and sexual harassment claims.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith has also established an independent task force to investigate the allegations, which are revealed by the report which was also sponsored by the government last year, one by one.
Independent task force was authorized to show significant evidence to the police and at the same time is also responsible for helping victims in the form of counseling and health.
"Young people, men and women have suffered physical, mental, and sexual abuse from her friends. Thing can not be tolerated and does not reflect the values of modernity, diversity and tolerance Ausralia society," Smith told lawmakers.
"The painful experience serious traumatic impact that long," he continued.
In a statement, Smith blamed senior military figures who occupy important positions but "abused that trust by his actions."
"Today I want to apologize on behalf of the government, to the men and women who serve in the Australian Defence Force (Australian Defence Force) or the Department of Defense and had experienced sexual harassment," said Smith.
"You should not be having such treatment. Again I apologize," he said.
The victim will receive compensation of up 52,000 dollars after selected by an independent task force headed by former Supreme Court judge Western Australia, Len Robert-Smith.
Apologies government is not up to the report known as the `Skype scandal 'in 2011.
In the report, revealed a young military intentionally broadcast live scenes of sexual relations with a female friend of the class without the knowledge of the woman, through 'Skype' to other cadets in different rooms.
The report also states, "from the 1950's until the early 1980's, many children aged 13 to 16 years suffer from physical and sexual harassment are serious while in the armed forces".
Before the 1960's, 13 year old son was able to be recruited by the Navy. While the age of 15 years was also in the Army, Navy, and Air Force until the 1980s.
Now, the minimum age for entry into the armed forces is 17 years old.
The report also recorded the brutality that occurred in the appointment ceremony and military customs to cover cases of abuse. The victims who filed this case in fact despised and perpetrators go unpunished.
Smith said the Defense Department will bear the entire financial burden of compensation and government officials "committed to not let this incident happen in the future".
"Recognition of the past and take responsibility for it is the first step," he said.
"We will ensure that harassment will not be tolerated again," said Smith.
"Australian Defence Force, Department of Defense and its leaders are committed to take action to protect young people, both men and women," he continued.
The leader of the armed forces, General David Hurley, will also announce separate statements Monday. Hurley had insisted that all military personnel found guilty in harassment case to be tried.
The action came after the government received hundreds of reports of rape and sexual harassment claims.
Defence Minister Stephen Smith has also established an independent task force to investigate the allegations, which are revealed by the report which was also sponsored by the government last year, one by one.
Independent task force was authorized to show significant evidence to the police and at the same time is also responsible for helping victims in the form of counseling and health.
"Young people, men and women have suffered physical, mental, and sexual abuse from her friends. Thing can not be tolerated and does not reflect the values of modernity, diversity and tolerance Ausralia society," Smith told lawmakers.
"The painful experience serious traumatic impact that long," he continued.
In a statement, Smith blamed senior military figures who occupy important positions but "abused that trust by his actions."
"Today I want to apologize on behalf of the government, to the men and women who serve in the Australian Defence Force (Australian Defence Force) or the Department of Defense and had experienced sexual harassment," said Smith.
"You should not be having such treatment. Again I apologize," he said.
The victim will receive compensation of up 52,000 dollars after selected by an independent task force headed by former Supreme Court judge Western Australia, Len Robert-Smith.
Apologies government is not up to the report known as the `Skype scandal 'in 2011.
In the report, revealed a young military intentionally broadcast live scenes of sexual relations with a female friend of the class without the knowledge of the woman, through 'Skype' to other cadets in different rooms.
The report also states, "from the 1950's until the early 1980's, many children aged 13 to 16 years suffer from physical and sexual harassment are serious while in the armed forces".
Before the 1960's, 13 year old son was able to be recruited by the Navy. While the age of 15 years was also in the Army, Navy, and Air Force until the 1980s.
Now, the minimum age for entry into the armed forces is 17 years old.
The report also recorded the brutality that occurred in the appointment ceremony and military customs to cover cases of abuse. The victims who filed this case in fact despised and perpetrators go unpunished.
Smith said the Defense Department will bear the entire financial burden of compensation and government officials "committed to not let this incident happen in the future".
"Recognition of the past and take responsibility for it is the first step," he said.
"We will ensure that harassment will not be tolerated again," said Smith.
"Australian Defence Force, Department of Defense and its leaders are committed to take action to protect young people, both men and women," he continued.
The leader of the armed forces, General David Hurley, will also announce separate statements Monday. Hurley had insisted that all military personnel found guilty in harassment case to be tried.
