Guardian

Women launch class action against ADF alleging widespread sexual violence, misogyny and harassment

The Australia Defense Force (ADF) was on Friday hit with a class-action lawsuit accusing it of failing to protect its servicewomen from sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination while they served.

BBC News

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The Australia Defense Force (ADF) was on Friday hit with a class-action lawsuit accusing it of failing to protect its servicewomen from sexual abuse, harassment and discrimination while they served.

The suit, filed in federal court in Sydney, currently includes four applicants whose names have been withheld by the court. Each made allegations ranging from lewd comments to waking up naked and covered in bruises after an on-base party the night before. A number of the women also alleged mistreatment once complaints had been filed.

The suit, filed in federal court in Sydney, currently includes four applicants whose names have been withheld by the court. Each made allegations ranging from lewd comments to waking up naked and covered in bruises after an on-base party the night before. A number of the women also alleged mistreatment once complaints had been filed.

Brought by Australian lawfirm JGA Saddler, it encouraged further alleged victims to come forward, stating that current or former female ADF members who served between 13 November 2003 and 25 May 2025 and have experiences of sexual abuse, harassment or discrimination should join.

Brought by Australian lawfirm JGA Saddler, it encouraged further alleged victims to come forward, stating that current or former female ADF members who served between 13 November 2003 and 25 May 2025 and have experiences of sexual abuse, harassment or discrimination should join.

A statement from Australia's Defense Ministry said: "All defense personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience in the ADF. There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in defense."

Hcamag

A statement from Australia's Defense Ministry said: "All defense personnel have a right to be respected and deserve to have a positive workplace experience in the ADF. There is no place for sexual violence or misconduct in defense."

The statement said the government is aware that work is necessary to improve the conditions for female servicemembers and added that "as a priority," it was implementing the recommendations listed in a 2024 inquiry about military suicides where they touched on sexual violence.

The statement said the government is aware that work is necessary to improve the conditions for female servicemembers and added that "as a priority," it was implementing the recommendations listed in a 2024 inquiry about military suicides where they touched on sexual violence.

That report, conducted by a Royal Commission, said that close to 800 sexual assaults were reported in the ADF over the past five years, warning that due to high levels of under-reporting, the real figures are likely much higher.

Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide

That report, conducted by a Royal Commission, said that close to 800 sexual assaults were reported in the ADF over the past five years, warning that due to high levels of under-reporting, the real figures are likely much higher.

After the 2024 Royal Commission on Defense and Veteran suicides, the government uncovered systemic issues relating to sexual violence. As a result, the government is already adopting a number of recommendations in order to stamp out the issue of sexual abuse in the armed services.

After the 2024 Royal Commission on Defense and Veteran suicides, the government uncovered systemic issues relating to sexual violence. As a result, the government is already adopting a number of recommendations in order to stamp out the issue of sexual abuse in the armed services.

ABC News Australia

Advocates respond to promise to act on sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force

The Australian government has for years been aware of the unacceptable culture that's been built up inside the military. It's often given empty platitudes that it will do better but these statements have never been met with effort required to actually make a lasting difference.

The Australian government has for years been aware of the unacceptable culture that's been built up inside the military. It's often given empty platitudes that it will do better but these statements have never been met with effort required to actually make a lasting difference.

Australia: Servicewomen Launch Sex Abuse Lawsuit Against Military

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