Admiral Ben Key, Chief of Staff of the British Navy, has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations of «abhorrent» sexual harassment practices that women, especially female recruits, have been subjected to for years during service, revealed by the ‘Daily Mail’ newspaper.
In addition to the allegations of assault, there are lists in which female recruits are listed in the order in which they should be raped in the event of a «catastrophic event».
The allegations also point to Navy officers as responsible for making «sexual gestures and comments» towards female personnel. Some female recruits have also reported being hit with clipboards.
«I am deeply appalled by these allegations,» Admiral Key has made known on his Twitter account, and want to assure our people and anyone reading this that any such activity, so far removed from the highest standard of the Royal Navy is, in itself, totally unacceptable.»
«These allegations are abhorrent. Sexual assault and harassment have no place in the Navy and will not be tolerated,» he added before assuring that he has given instructions «to investigate thoroughly» the allegations.
«Anyone found guilty will be held accountable for their actions regardless of their rank,» the admiral assured.
