'I was followed, mocked, threatened': Stark findings in Defence Forces report

Members of Women of Honour Karina Molloy, Honor Murphy, Diane Byrne, and Yvonne O Rourke arriving at Government Buildings ahead of a meeting with Tánaiste Micheál Martin on Monday afternoon. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins 

At best, the Defence Forces barely tolerates women and, at its worst, verbally, physically, sexually and psychologically abuses women in its ranks. This is a reflection of the experience of those who currently serve or have served.

88% of female respondents in the Independent Review Group (IRG) Defence Force Perceptions and Experience Survey reported that they have experienced one or more forms of sexual harassment, compared with 17% of male respondents. This starts at initial training in the Cadet School and in initial enlisted training.