Abuse of recruits at the former HMAS Leeuwin base was widespread and the Navy failed in its duty of care, the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has found.
The commission’s findings — contained in its report into the Australian Defence Force (ADF) — come after it heard evidence of forced sexual activity and violent assaults, which sometimes resulted in serious injuries.
It said “bastardisation” practices involving the smearing of boot polish, toothpaste or other substances on genitals or the anal area took place at the East Fremantle shore base.
The report said junior recruits who were abused did not report it from fear of retribution, being humiliated or discharged. They also feared no action would be taken.
The commissioners found senior staff members knew of and tolerated the abuse, and Leeuwin’s system of management was “ineffective in preventing and responding to child sexual abuse”.
It said the impacts of the abuse had been life-long and severe, including “serious physical injury (some of which caused long-term disability) and mental illness, suicide attempts, alcohol abuse and broken relationships”.
No comments:
Post a Comment