Officials at Norway’s Ministry of Defence have met senior officers of the armed forces over new measures aimed at cracking down on sexual harassment and assaults within the ranks.
New and improved systems for handling complaints are due to be implimented by August.
Minister of Defence, Bjørn Arild Gram and head of the Defence Force, Eirik Kristoffersen took part in a live televised debate on Norwegian Broadcaster NRK, following reports of more cases of harassment and at least two rapes of female recruits.
Both men said they were taking the complaints seriously, with General Kristoffersen telling news bureau NTB that “the situation is a crisis that we will resolve”.
Mr Gram (pictured) said he retained confidence in General Kristoffersen and that both of them would prioritise efforts to “make serving in the armed forces safe” for both women and men.
“We will introduce a new central system for filing complaints and those filing will be kept better informed on ensuing investigations,” Mr Gram said.
The Minister called a meeting with military leaders and those representing active military personnel, to discuss the challenges after a majority of women in the military reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment.
“We have had incidents in the military that we don’t want to have,” Mr Gram said after facing questions in Parliament.
Head of Army, Lars Lervik said more military police would be on duty around recruits’ barracks, along with “our most experienced leaders” during weekends when partying was most likely to occur.
Oslo, 24 February 2023
