Quote:Predatory sexual culture on warship, inquiry hears

BELLINDA KONTOMINAS

March 12, 2010 - 2:06PM
A "predatory culture" on board an Australian warship led to young female sailors being bullied and coerced to have sex with senior sailors, an inquiry has heard.
The independent inquiry into inappropriate sexual conduct on HMAS Success heard of "rumours" that male sailors put out a "bounty" on who would be first to sleep with new female recruits.
The inquiry, which started today, will also hear that female crew members had been threatened not to speak out about the culture.
An initial report prepared by members of the ship's equity and diversity team found that a sexual act involving two sailors took place in a public area while on shore leave in China in May last year and was watched and encouraged by other crew members.
Shortly after, three male crew members were taken off the ship while HMAS Success was visiting Singapore while an investigation took place.
The commanding officer of HMAS Success, Commander Simon Brown, told the inquiry that male and females crew members had segregated sleeping and bathroom facilities and there was a strict no-touching policy at work.
There are about 220 crew on board the ship at any one time, including 30 women from most ranks.
The inquiry, being led by retired judge Roger Gyles at hearings in Sydney, comes after an earlier investigation was found to be biased.
The inquiry continues.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/predatory-sexual-culture-on-warship-inquiry-hears-20100312-q37g.html

Magda Hassan Wrote:I know I've talked about rampant sexism in the military before somewhere but ...

Magda Hassan Wrote:Thanks Ed! That's the one.