She noted that the weapon in their hands does not protect women from prejudices or violence. According to Shulyak, there are such cases and they are not single.
“However, law enforcement agencies that investigate sexual violence in the army do not conduct statistical data. However, according to public and human rights organizations fixing an appeal to a hot line about cases of sexual violence, the number of such appeals has increased. So, according to the survey of the Russian human rights organization, only 12 would have reported 12 women in the Armed Forces Witnesses of violence, among other things, women are afraid of condemning and imposing the role of “guilty,” said Shulyak.
She explained that an appropriate interdepartmental working group was created in the Ministry of Defense, however, to improve the mechanisms for ensuring military discipline, prevent and counteract the manifestations of discrimination and sexual harassment, a separate document is required.
According to Shulyak, bill No. 13037 suggests that:
- Discipline is also dignity. Now the concept of military discipline contains compliance with gender equality and the prohibition of discrimination;
- A clear ban on discrimination. Military personnel do not have the right to actions or statements that humiliate on the basis of gender, faith, beliefs or contain sexual claims;
- The commander must act immediately. In the case of violence or attempts to perform it – immediate intervention and, if necessary, the detention of the perpetrator;
- Elimination due to negligence. If the inaction of the commander or military led to violence, this is the basis for removal;
- The investigation is not for a checkmark. Now they are initiated not only by the commanders, but also by the authorized to gender equality;
- The composition of the commissions – not only psychologists, but also specialized specialists;
- Protection for those who are not silent. No one who reported claims or discrimination will be punished, dismissed or intimidated;
- You can contact directly. To the commander, the law enforcement service or state bodies – without fear, without filters;
- The obligation to report. If he witnessed or found out about violence, he must notify the authorized official.
“The introduction of the proposed changes will contribute to increasing the level of discipline and security in the military environment, as well as protecting the rights and dignity of military personnel regardless of gender,” the explanatory note to the bill says.
