The Irish Times view on harassment in the Defence Forces: Hard questions for the military

Testimony from the women who allege repeated sexual assault and harassment within the Defence Forces suggests a troubling military culture. Not only have retired female military personnel described being raped and otherwise sexually assaulted, they have pointed to a culture that sought to hush them. The women allege the perpetrators were protected while they, the women, were isolated and their careers stalled. Those women who felt strong enough to complain were left dissatisfied with the outcome of investigations.

They have now spoken of the negative impact the abuse and its aftermath has had on the rest of their lives. Some describe a deep trauma that endures.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieut Gen Seán Clancy, appointed just last week, has written to serving personnel warning them abuse will not be tolerated. His letter, in the wake of RTÉ’s Women of Honour programme, said military leaders had a responsibility to empower those who spoke up. They must demonstrate an “intolerance” of any action or inaction that fell short of “expected behaviours”.

He has begun his term as the head of the Defence Forces by acknowledging the issues being raised. He has also made it clear all personnel have a role in addressing the problems. That is to be welcomed. However, his assertion that the Defence Forces was a loyal, tolerant and values-based organisation stretches credibility. That statement is, after all, being made in the teeth of allegations over decades involving harassment and sexual abuse.

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There is an air of familiarity about this controversy. More than 20 years ago, Tom Clonan published his research into systemic gender-based discrimination, violence and sexual crimes in the Defence Forces. His work, conducted when Clonan was an army officer, was rigorous and grounded in quality research that captured the stories of victims. Since then, it appears the Defence Forces has failed to root out the problems.

Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has now apologised to the victimised women who have spoken out in recent weeks. He has agreed to a review into how complaints were dealt with. However, any such process must start at the beginning.

It is imperative the allegations being made are fully gathered up and the extent of the problem is accurately captured.

A cultural audit of current and retired military personnel might determine if abuse and harassment is widespread and systemic, as alleged. It could also determine the current culture in the military.

Determining the size of this problem is the essential first step of building a safer culture that would reject those who would seek to abuse their position in this appalling way.