The Royal Navy’s commander-in-chief has ordered an investigation into allegations of bullying and sexual harassment directed at women in the Submarine Service.
Several whistleblowers who served in the fleet told the Daily Mail that they were subjected to mistreatment at all levels.
The First Sea Lord, Adm Sir Ben Key, called the allegations “abhorrent,” adding that “sexual harassment has no place in the Royal Navy and will not be tolerated.”
“Anyone found culpable will face consequences,” he said.
The allegations, as detailed by the Mail, include male crew members compiling a list outlining the order in which women would be assaulted in the event of a disaster.
One woman told the Mail that she was sexually assaulted while sleeping by a man of higher rank. One senior officer allegedly punched her in the kidney.
She claimed that someone else left naked pictures of models for her and left 50p coins in her cabin, implying that she would perform a sexual act in exchange.
Other women claimed they were frequently asked to perform sex acts and that they were frequently screamed at and hit with clipboards and pens.
It is claimed that the abuse has been going on for more than a decade, following the lifting of a ban on female recruits in 2011.
Former Navy Rear Adm Chris Parry told the BBC’s Today programme that the issue was also a reflection of society as a whole.
“I want to reassure our people, and anyone reading this, that any activity that falls short of the highest of standards the Royal Navy sets itself is totally unacceptable and not a true reflection of what service life should be,” Adm Sir Ben said in response to the allegations.
“These allegations are heinous. Sexual assault and harassment have no place and will not be tolerated in the Royal Navy.”
According to the Ministry of Defence, while the majority of Navy personnel have rewarding careers, some navy personnel, primarily women, have been affected by inappropriate sexualized behavior.
Reference: BBC
