Department “very concerned” by allegations of sexual abuse within the Defense Forces

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The Defense Ministry said it was “very concerned” by allegations of sexual abuse within the Defense Force, and Minister Simon Coveney was “aware” of some of the complaints filed.

A call for a full independent investigation by the opposition has been made following yesterday’s broadcast of RT’s radio documentary Women of Honor, which featured first-hand testimony from women members of the Defense Forces on allegations of sexual assault and harassment by male colleagues and superiors.

The documentary, directed by presenter Katie Hannon, also recounted how female members with children felt they had been discriminated against.

In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the Department of Defense expressed “concern for the welfare of the women who have recounted their experiences on this program and is also very concerned about the allegations made”.

The Minister was aware of some of the complaints presented in the program, but not the specific details of all. Defense ministry officials met some of those who corresponded with him.

Yesterday, following the broadcast, the Defense Forces pledged to cooperate with any open investigation.

Minister examines response to allegations

The ministry said Defense Minister Simon Coveney has received correspondence describing a number of allegations, including historical sexual assault allegations. The allegations relate to events which allegedly took place within the Standing Defense Force.

The allegations were broadcast on RT Radio 1 in Katie Hannon’s documentary “Women of Honor”. See link at the bottom of this article to listen to the documentary again.

Mr Coveney is currently reviewing the overall response and plans are at “advanced stages” to establish a specific independent assessment of the measures taken and whether further measures should be adopted.

Sinn Fin’s defense spokesperson Sorca Clarke said she was “deeply, deeply concerned for the well-being of women past and present in our defense forces,” insisting the fact that the women involved “have no faith in the defense forces investigating themselves”.

Sinn Fin TD said the allegations of abuse and harassment have been “known for some time. However, the problem today, especially for the Minister and the Defense Ministry, is what decisive action they take. will take. “

What will they do to tackle the causes, to examine the impact of abuse and harassment, but also to end this culture of active reprisals against those who speak out in the Defense Forces?

Among those featured in the documentary was Karina Molloy, the first woman to achieve the rank of senior noncommissioned officer as the company quartermaster sergeant.

Allegations ranging from sexual harassment to rape

She said she couldn’t remain silent about a dozen separate incidents. She described how, on her first overseas mission, she was summoned to receive a birthday present and discovered a pair of sexy underwear. In the crotch was written: I would like to be here “, in front of male colleagues.

Other women recounted experiences of sexual assault and rape, some of these women suffering from eating disorders, distress, trauma, mental anguish and suicide attempts.

Ms Clarke, along with the Social Democrats and the Labor Party, said a full and independent investigation into the allegations should be carried out.

Sinn Fin TD also says members of the defense force who have signed nondisclosure agreements should not be prevented from sharing their stories.

“Another key element will be to ensure that those who engaged in the abuse, those who engaged in the harassment and those who also obstructed the reporting of the abuse are held accountable for their actions,” said Ms. Clarke.

Ms Clarke wrote to Defense Minister Simon Coveney and asked him to meet with those who participated in the documentary.

The documentary by journalist and host Katie Hannon is available online here on the RT Radio 1 website.

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