This article contains references to sexual assault.
Sexual assault complaints made in the Australian Defence Force soared to 187 cases in 2020-21, with the majority of concerns raised over incidents of aggravated misconduct.
The new figures were revealed in the Department of Defence’s annual report, which shows the highest number of alleged incidents recorded in at least eight years.
The sexual assault allegations reported also show a sharp increase compared to previous figures of 160 in 2019-20, 166 in 2018-19 and 170 in 2017-18.
The latest data comprises 116 alleged aggravated sexual assaults and 71 alleged non-aggravated incidents recorded during the year to 7 July 2021.
Reported Australian Defence Force sexual assault incidents per year, as at 7 July 2021. Source: SBS News
The alleged aggravated offences ranged from reports of penetrative acts committed without consent to threats of penetrative acts or instances where consent had been prescribed.
The non-aggravated offences related to alleged incidents of touching of a sexual nature without consent.
John Blaxland, a professor of international security at the Australian National University, said while troubling the spike in reporting could be linked to greater willingness to come forward with complaints.
“It’s an alarming figure no question. [But] I suspect what we’re seeing is a greater confidence to report and so on one level that’s a positive,” he told SBS News.
"The numbers are not a positive but the fact that people are feeling confident to report is a backhanded indicator of some success."
The Department of Defence says sexual assault incidents cannot be compared directly to past figures before 2017-18 because of changes in the reporting framework.
In 2020-21, the number of complaints recorded is more than three times the 60 alleged incidents documented in 2013-14 before this change.
This also compared to 96 sexual assault allegations reported in 2014-15, 98 in 2015-16 and 84 in 2016-17.
The Department of Defence’s annual report also explains in detail the investigations made into the 187 sexual assault complaints across 2020-21.
It says 63 cases remain active, with civil police looking into 36 cases, military police responsible for 19 cases and the Office of the Director of Military Prosecutions reviewing eight cases.
Nine cases that proceeded to military trial resulted in five guilty outcomes, three not guilty outcomes and one trial being suspended.
Only two cases over the reporting period resulted in administrative and disciplinary action, according to the annual report.
Approximately 44 per cent of sexual assault allegations were made by members who decided not to make a statement of complaint, did not want the matter investigated or withdrew their complaint.
“Respecting the wishes of the victim is consistent with policing principles of maintaining a victim-centric approach but it can inhibit Defence’s ability to substantiate or conclude matters,” its annual report says.
In relation to sexual assault complaints, 83 investigations were not conducted or were ceased because no complaint was made or the complaint was withdrawn.
In 68 cases of reported allegations, the ADF member did not wish to make a statement of complaint or want the matter further investigated by authorities.
In 15 cases the complaint was withdrawn and in another 20 cases, there was a determination of insufficient evidence to proceed.
The ADF has dealt with a number of high-profile cases of sexual assault and misconduct in its history prompting the formation of the Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Office (SeMPRO) in 2013.
In its annual report, the Department of Defence says it provides confidential support services through SeMPRO to Defence personnel.
The uptake of one-on-one assistance for these services increased from 235 in 2019-20 to 275 people in 2020-21, according to the report.
This has also risen from a low of 131 people accessing these services in 2015-16.
Chief of the Defence Force, General Angus Campbell, came under fire in March after warning a class of cadets against being out after midnight while consuming alcohol and presenting themselves as “attractive”.
General Campbell later said his comments had been "misinterpreted", insisting he was trying to encourage the trainees to work together to protect themselves.
“There is never an excuse for perpetrating sexual assault or sexual harassment and the perpetrator is always to blame,” he said at the time.
Professor Blaxland said a "significant cultural shift" had been occurring in the armed services towards becoming more inclusive for female personnel.
"[It is] much more respectful, level headed, inclusive and one where there is more equal opportunity than ever before," he said.
"I take heart that these incidents are being reported and there are active investigations being pursued.”
In a statement a Defence spokesperson said it was unclear whether the increase in the number of reported offences was due to increased occurrences, greater awareness of reporting options, victims feeling safer to report incidents or an increase in the availability of services.
“Defence is committed to creating a safe environment where individuals have access to support services and feel safe to report unacceptable behaviour, including workplace bullying, discrimination, harassment and sexual assault, knowing that incidents will be addressed,” the spokesperson said.
They said Defence does not tolerate unacceptable behaviour in any form.
“When incidents of unacceptable behaviour do occur, Defence has robust systems and processes in place to resolve matters and to hold personnel to account for unacceptable behaviour.”
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit . In an emergency, call 000.
