An investigation examining allegations of vile sexual harassment made by the women in the Royal Navy in the UK is currently underway. Several officers who have served in the fleet have now been revealing their horrific experiences of the recent past, stating how their mistreatment did not just end at bullying and only increased into heinous actions over time.
The head of the Royal Navy Admiral Sir Ben Key has now ordered a probe looking into the matter stating that all culprits will be held accountable if found guilty.
A lot of whistleblowers have come out claiming that they have been bullied, faced sexual harassment and mistreated by their male colleagues from all ranks, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
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Royal Navy Sexual Harassment Allegations
The recent harassment claims also bring to light how these horrific acts have been ongoing for over a decade now ever since the ban on female recruits was lifted in 2011. The allegations gained attention after several women from the crew shared their in-depth stories and claims with a leading newspaper.
The first whistleblower to come out and make a complaint revealed how she was called names, pinched and hit by a male colleague and faced vile sexual harassment. The woman, who belongs to West Sussex, told the media that the male colleague went on to tell her how she was "no. 6 on the rape list, so she better run."
The shocking claims have been confirmed by other female crew members as well who disclosed how there is always a list floating setting out an order in which women would be assaulted.
Another crew member shared her story claiming that she was assaulted by a higher-ranked male colleague in her sleep. She also alleged that another colleague punched her in her kidney, and a third one left naked photos of models, posting 50p coins in her cabin suggesting she should perform sexual acts in return. Several women alleged how they were frequently told to perform sex acts on duty and frequently screamed at and hit with pens and clipboards.
Probe Into The Matter
These incidents have now been coming to light with several people expressing anger across social media and in the Navy highlighting how such acts could even take place in a prestigious workplace like this.
The Admiral made a statement saying that the Navy will not look away from the allegations and every claim will be thoroughly investigated. "These allegations are abhorrent, sexual harassment has no place in the Royal Navy and will not be tolerated. I want to assure everyone reading this that any kind of activity that falls short of the highest standards of the Royal Navy is and will always be unacceptable," he added.