The Australian Human Rights Commission has launched a national survey on military sexual trauma to help improve how the Australian Defence Force (ADF) responds to sexual violence.
The confidential and anonymous survey is open to current serving ADF members and ex-serving members who separated from the ADF within the last 15 years.
‘Everyone who serves our country should be able to do so in a safe and respectful environment,’ Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Anna Cody said.
‘Military sexual trauma can have long-lasting impacts on people’s lives, health and wellbeing. We know many experiences are never reported, leaving gaps in our understanding of what people face during and after service’.
‘We know that sexual violence is difficult to talk about. The survey is a completely anonymous way for current and ex-serving members to share their views and experiences. Their voices are critical to understanding how to prevent and address sexual violence now and in the future.’
The survey findings will help us better understand the cultural and organisational factors that contribute to military sexual trauma. They will also show how well current responses are supporting victim-survivors and identify ways to improve services, health and wellbeing outcomes.
Military sexual violence can include sexual harassment (sexual comments and touching), sexual assault, or discrimination based on sex, sharing intimate images without consent, stalking and other sexually threatening behaviour. It includes behaviour that happens on or off base, while on duty or off duty.
ADF records show that almost 800 sexual assaults were reported between 2018 -2019 and 2022-2023. However, many people never report their experiences, meaning the real number is likely to be much higher.
‘The military environment has unique challenges that can shape both experiences of sexual violence and people’s willingness to seek support. Factors such as rank, close living and working arrangements, expectations around loyalty and cultures of silence can create additional barriers to reporting and recovery.’
The project has been commissioned by the Australian Government in response to Recommendation 14 from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide*.
In addition to the survey, the Commission will conduct interviews with individuals.
The outcomes of this research and recommendations for change will be included in a final report, released in 2027.
Commissioner Cody said: ‘By listening directly to current and ex-serving members, we can shed light on what is happening and identify where responses are falling short and how they could be improved.’
