During budget reviews at the French National Assembly, LFI deputy Bastien Lachaud highlighted the alarming prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in the military, stating that a rape occurs approximately every 15 days. He referenced data from the Thémis cell, which documented 220 cases of sexual violence in 2023. Reports suggest that a third of military women have experienced SGBV, while broader estimates indicate potentially over 1,350 rapes annually, underscoring the need for urgent attention to this issue.
As the budget review progresses at the French National Assembly, recent meetings by the Defense Commission have brought attention to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) within the military. LFI deputy Bastien Lachaud urged the assembly to confront a grave issue, stating that in France, a rape is committed ‘every 15 days.’ He further revealed that approximately one-third of female military personnel have experienced SGBV during their service.
Sources of the Data
Where do these troubling statistics originate, and how reliable are they? While addressing the assembly, Lachaud did not elaborate on the sources of his claims. Upon inquiry, he referenced information from the Thémis cell, an organization established in 2014 by the Ministry of the Armed Forces, which has faced criticism for its inadequate resources. This cell focuses on gathering reports related to sexual harassment, violence, and discrimination, ensuring they are appropriately handled.
In 2023, Thémis recorded a total of 220 incidents of sexual violence, including 28 rapes and 73 sexual assaults. The reported 28 rapes translate to roughly one incident every 15 days, aligning with the deputy’s statement (it averages about one every 13 days to be exact).
The report concerning SGBV within the military cites a study conducted by COSEMIL between 2014 and 2015, revealing that a third of surveyed female military members reported experiencing behaviors classified as SGBV during that year. For male personnel, the statistic stands at one in six.
Although Lachaud has referred to credible data, it’s important to note that the rape figures he cites reflect reported incidents, which do not necessarily lead to prosecution or conviction. ‘We must also recognize that a significant number of rapes go unreported.’ Lachaud emphasized the importance of this reality.
Additionally, the COSEMIL survey led to projections about the annual number of rapes within the military. The findings stated that due to the statistically significant sample, it is possible to generalize the results to the broader military community. The report speculated that if all incidents were reported, approximately 1,350 rapes could occur yearly, which translates to more than three incidents each day, not just one every 13 days.
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