Modern militaries depend on a diverse workforce with various skills, yet sexual harassment and violence remain prevalent, particularly affecting women, who represent only 9-16% of NATO Allied forces. Reports of rape cultures within militaries threaten recruitment and retention. Following the global #MeToo movement, which exposed abuse across industries, the military has also been scrutinized.

Cases of sexual misconduct have emerged in countries like Canada, the UK, the US, Germany, and Spain, exposing a toxic military culture. In response, NATO's Science and Technology Organization initiated research to address the issue, culminating in a 2019 report that examined sexual violence and harassment across NATO member forces. Experts from seven countries analyzed the situation, proposing three essential steps to combat misogyny in military environments:

1. Definitions: Establish consistent definitions of sexual harassment and assault across military operations. This includes defining sexual harassment as unwanted sexual behavior that undermines one’s dignity, such as inappropriate comments, advances, or physical acts. Sexual assault encompasses a range of non-consensual sexual behaviors, from touching to violent acts.
2. Data Collection: Accurate data on the prevalence of sexual misconduct is critical. The research group spent years developing a culturally sensitive survey to gather actionable data from NATO countries. The aim is to use data not just for awareness but to drive systemic change in military cultures.
3. Training: Training personnel on acceptable behavior is crucial. The group created scenarios to help soldiers recognize and discuss inappropriate behaviors, fostering greater awareness of sexual misconduct, especially during joint operations.

The term Military Sexual Trauma (MST) describes sexual assault or harassment experienced during service. Studies show that MST affects 20-45% of military personnel, disproportionately impacting women. For example, 33% of American and 44.6% of Canadian servicewomen reported MST incidents. Women, who are a minority in the military, are overrepresented as victims. In the UK, while women comprise 11.8% of military personnel, they account for 83% of sexual assault complainants.

Research from Anglia Ruskin University's Centre for Military Women’s Research highlights the challenges women face in militaries, where toxic masculinity and sexual misconduct are pervasive. Women interviewed for the study described feeling isolated, facing normalized harassment, and hesitating to report MST due to fears of retaliation, victim-blaming, or inaction. These fears are compounded by the unique military environment, where speaking out against one's unit is discouraged.

Many servicewomen shared experiences of sexual harassment, groping, and even gang rapes, all of which were treated as routine aspects of military life. In some cases, women described hypersexualized workplace environments where inappropriate behavior was trivialized or even encouraged.

Despite pledges by military leaders in countries like the US, UK, and Canada to enforce zero-tolerance policies for sexual violence, meaningful change remains elusive. Cultural shifts are necessary to end these toxic environments. Militaries must take a firm stance against normalized sexual misconduct and ensure that leaders uphold ethical standards.

The NATO Science and Technology Organization's research offers a path forward, providing a unified framework for defining and addressing sexual misconduct across Allied forces. However, long-term success depends on military leaders following through with concrete actions, not just rhetoric. The military must dismantle institutional cultures that allow abuse to persist, ensuring safer environments for servicewomen and men alike.

The full report of the NATO research group was published in January 2024. Further research by Anglia Ruskin University is expected soon, contributing to the ongoing effort to address military sexual violence. While the scale of the problem is daunting, the military’s commitment to change is crucial in creating a more inclusive and respectful future for its personnel.

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