Sexual abuse in the armed forces: Ukraine edition

The Times has this report from Ukraine on its emerging problem of sexual abuse in the armed forces.

The importance of women within Ukraine's armed forces has steadily increased. Today, 57,000 women now serve in the Ukrainian armed forces, including 26,000 on active duty. In 2018 many combat arms positions were opened to women, including gunners on armored vehicles, snipers, and infantry soldiers. Many female soldiers have fought in eastern Ukraine's ongoing conflict against Russian rebels.

Consistent with the expanded role of women in the armed forces have been attempts to improve gender equality. However, despite growing evidence of sexual abuse in the armed forces, only five disciplinary or criminal cases were brought last year, each for sexual harassment. So far, no offenders have been held to account, while the women who made the complaints have faced intimidation and retaliation.

There are at least two common denominators with Ukraine's experience and other countries grappling with the problem of sexual abuse in the armed forces.

First, very few victims will come forward if they believe that authorities will be biased against them and unchecked from letting a conflict of interest factor into deciding what to do with a case.

Second, the prospect of raising allegations against perpetrators who are often powerful leaders within the ranks makes the threat of retaliation an ever-present reality and has a tendency to dissuade victims from reporting their abuse.