That includes unwanted sexual comments, sexual images, unwanted touching and sexual violence. Over the same period, 2% of both women and men reported experiencing sexual violence.
More than 8,100 soldiers completed the July 13 to Aug. 27 anonymous survey, about 18% of those contacted. The researchers said they had adjusted the results to reflect the makeup of the military.
The study found that only one-sixth to one-third of sexual incidents were reported, depending on the type of misconduct, with many victims saying they didn’t want to draw attention to themselves. Others feared consequences or doubted that reporting an incident would lead to action.
Pistorius presented the findings to the defense committee in the country’s parliament alongside Germany’s top military officer, Carsten Breuer. Speaking afterward, he promised “zero tolerance” for sexual misconduct.
Pistorius called the handling of complaints a “systemic problem.” He said military structures and the traditional responses of some commanders to complaints were partly to blame.
He announced a 34-point plan to improve protection for victims and make it easier to report incidents, including a new advice service outside the usual military chain of command. The service is currently available daily but is expected to become available around the clock.