Royal Navy Investigates Women Come Abuse Claims

October 29, 2022

The head of the Royal Navy has ordered an investigation into allegations of bullying and sexual harassment against women in the Submarine Service.

Several whistleblowers who served in the fleet told the Daily Mail they faced mistreatment from all ranks.

Adm Sir Ben Key, the First Sea Lord, said he was deeply disturbed by the "abhorrent" claims.

The behaviour has no place in the Royal Navy and anyone found culpable would be held accountable, he said.

The allegations, revealed in detail by the Mail, include male crew members compiling a list setting out the order in which women would be assaulted in the event of a catastrophic event.

One woman told the Mail she was sexually assaulted by a man of a higher rank as she slept. She claimed one senior officer punched her in the kidney.

She alleged that another left naked pictures of models for her and posted 50p coins into her cabin, suggesting she would perform a sexual act in return.

Other women alleged they were frequently asked to perform sex acts and were often screamed at and hit with clipboards and pens.

It is claimed the abuse has been happening for more than a decade, after a ban on female recruits was lifted in 2011.

'Unacceptable'
The Submarine Service is "unseen and unhindered," according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) website, which says it has "built an enduring reputation for professionalism and courage".

The service includes the Vanguard Class submarines that provide the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Figures revealed in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed that, as of 2019, just 1% of Submarine Service personnel were female.

Responding to the allegations, Adm Sir Ben said: "I want to reassure our people, and anyone who is reading this, that any activity which 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.

"These allegations are abhorrent. Sexual assault and harassment has no place in the Royal Navy and will not be tolerated."

The MoD said that while most Navy staff enjoy rewarding careers, some navy personnel, predominantly women, have been affected by inappropriate sexualised behaviour.

It said it accepted more needs to be done to improve the experience of all personnel and mechanisms for reporting sexual offences were being improved.

Earlier this year, media reports emerged detailing allegations of bullying, drinking, misogyny and sexual harassment in the Red Arrows.

A series of incidents within the flagship aerial display team prompted the Chief of the Air Staff to order an inquiry, which has yet to report.

Source: BBC
Image source:

THE METRO BUSINESS

Insider Tips for Excelling in MSBM’s Online Courses

Strategies for Success: MSBM’s Business Management Insights

Nations are vying to join the BRICS group, according to South Africa, as Russia assumes leadership.

AI-Driven Business Transformation: A Project Management Perspective.

Royal Navy Investigates Women Come Abuse Claims

Top Stories

DUP has reached an agreement with the UK government to reinstate power-sharing in Northern Ireland.

Global Trade at Risk: The Implications of Red Sea Ship Attacks on Consumer Goods

UK to lend back Ghana's stolen 'crown jewels,' announces Asante Gold.

Colombia seeks international aid, declaring a wildfire disaster.

Related Posts

International Women's Day: When is it and why is it important?

Protecting Human Rights Through Women’s Rights

UK Navy Intercepts ‘Iran Missiles’ Likely Headed For Yemen

Queen Elizabeth II: What Will Happen To Stamps, Coins, Banknotes And Passports?

Courses you might like

Professional Certificate Course in CSR Ethics in Risk Management

Professional Certificate Course in Native Advertising and Display Advertising

Professional Certificate Course in Supervisory Structure of the International Banking Institutions and Markets