Class action sexual violence lawsuit filed against Australian military - UPI.com
A class action lawsuit has been filed in Australia alleging widespread sexual violence and harassment against women in the Australian Defense Force.Summary
Four former Australian servicewomen have initiated a class action lawsuit in federal court, alleging systemic sexual violence and harassment within the Australian Defense Force (ADF). Thousands of women are expected to join the suit, detailing experiences including rape, assault, and discrimination spanning a 21-year period (2003-2025). The law firm representing the claimants, JGA Saddler, seeks not only financial compensation but also significant change within the ADF, criticizing its denials and lack of action. The lawsuit follows a failed arbitration attempt by the Human Rights Commission. The ADF acknowledges the issue and states there is “no place for sexual violence” in the armed forces, claiming to be developing a strategy to address misconduct. Claimants allege incidents such as unwanted groping, forced kissing, and exposure to pornography. A director at JGA Saddler stated that fear of sexual violence often outweighed the threat of war for female personnel. A recent Royal Commission report indicated around 800 sexual assault claims were made between 2019 and 2024, estimating significant underreporting and higher overall levels of misconduct.
(Source：upi.com)