In Australia, former senator to lead sexual violence inquiry in Defence Force
In Australia, former senator Natasha Stott Despoja will lead a year-long inquiry into sexual violence in the Australian Defence Force. As ABC News Australia reports, the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide recommended establishing such an inquiry.
In its 2024 final report, the commission described sexual misconduct as a systemic problem in the Australian Defence Force. In the five years before the report was published, 800 sexual assaults were recorded there. At the same time, the report noted that the rate of non-reporting of such incidents was estimated at 60%, meaning the actual number of assaults was likely significantly higher.
Scope of the inquiry
The inquiry will examine measures to prevent sexual violence in the military, procedures for reporting such cases, and the actions of the Defence Force following the work of the Royal Commission. It is also expected to consider the effectiveness of the military justice system and barriers that arise when reporting sexual offences.
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Stott Despoja has no military experience. According to her, her independence from the military structure was an important factor in her appointment. She said the inquiry must ensure an independent, trauma-informed and survivor-centred approach to considering testimony.
Participation of survivors
The Australian government agreed not to enforce non-disclosure agreements for people who give evidence as part of the inquiry. Some survivors are bound by such agreements or non-disparagement agreements concluded during legal settlements with the defence department. This will allow some of them to tell their stories for the first time as part of the inquiry.
Written submissions are planned to begin being accepted later this year, while public hearings are due to take place at the start of next year. The final report is expected by the end of that same year.
