The British Navy has launched an investigation after one of the first women to join the crew of a submarine reported being the victim of sexual harassment and abuse.
Naval Chief Admiral Ben Key said on Twitter that “sexual harassment has no place in the Royal Navy and will not be tolerated”, describing the reported events as “hateful”, indicating that he has ordered the opening of an investigation.
“Anyone found guilty must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or status,” he said.
The Daily Mail published in its Saturday edition the testimony of Sophie Brook, one of the first women to join the crew of a submarine, following a 2011 law that no longer reserved this destination for men only.
Brook denounced sexist behavior, “continuous sexual harassment” and the fact that women who dare to report such situations are marginalized or prevented from participating in training.
Sophie Brook also admitted that she found one of her co-workers in her bed and that a superior kissed her in her sleep.
These situations led to self-mutilations for which the victim had to receive nine stitches and, despite the doctor’s opposite, was sent back to her group to keep watch.
According to figures published in 2019, women make up just 1% of the British Navy’s submarine personnel.
Source: DN
