Women left isolated and traumatised by military service, study finds

Women have described cases of military sexual trauma as being “enabled, ignored and condoned” in Australia, with mental health and other professionals calling for immediate action to recognise and address this significant ‘entrenched’ issue in the armed forces.

Many of the female veterans described the scars of abuse suffered in the army, navy or air force in civilian life, even though the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has taken steps in recent years to address military justice, sexual violence and unacceptable behaviours in the armed forces.

A range of experts from Australia and overseas conducted in-depth interviews with 22 veterans and repeat calls to accelerate much-needed changes in the male-dominated culture of the armed forces.

Professor Sharon Lawn is the first author of a new journal article about veterans’ experiences of abuse and ‘gender disempowerment’ during and post service.

Lawn said: “Women veterans face significant challenges whilst serving in the military and in transition to civilian life, due to the highly masculinised military environment.

“Some of the women veterans we interviewed also experience significant gender-based barriers to services and support.

“The experiences of harassment, discrimination and military sexual assault (and the consequent trauma) for the Australian women veterans who participated in this study were described as largely stemming from this entrenched gendered military culture.”

While acknowledging current work to develop a National Women Veterans Strategy, the researchers say progress is too slow, exacerbated by the conservative nature of military organisations common in most countries.

Flinders University Professor Ben Wadham, who submitted evidence to the Australian Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, says the suicide rate for ex-serving ADF females was 107 per cent higher than the general Australian female population.

The royal commission reported last year that ex-serving women discharged involuntarily for medical reasons were 5.2 times more likely to die by suicide compared to those discharged voluntarily.

Former serviceman Professor Wadham, a coauthor of the new article, said: “The ADF and Department of Veterans’ Affairs have recognised the need for a cultural change to address gender issues during military service and in how supports for transition and post-military service are provided.

“We are calling for more action in translating policies arising from such inquiries into practice within its military institutions and within institutions supporting its veterans in the community after service.”

Researchers say these experiences for women veterans are also pervasive in other countries, such as the UK, the US and Canada.