Survey Finds Widespread Sexual Harassment in Germany’s Military, Young Women Particularly Affected

Young women are particularly affected, especially those in lower military ranks. Men who are not heterosexual are also particularly vulnerable.

“There is zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the Bundeswehr,” Pistorius said in a statement.

Thirty-eight percent of women say they have been subjected to verbal sexual harassment. Ten percent say they have been subjected to physical sexual harassment.

The survey comes at a time when a recruitment campaign is underway to significantly expand the German military in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The study is based on 8,000 surveys of men and women, equivalent to four percent of the total personnel.