Over 60% of the Self-Defense Forces personnel who claimed to have been harassed did not use a consultation system set up to aid in such cases, a survey by the Defense Ministry showed Friday.
The survey found that many SDF personnel are distrustful of the consultation system.
According to the survey, 1,325 cases of harassment have been reported. Power harassment accounted for 77% of the total and sexual harassment for 12%.
Of the total, 850 cases, or 64.2%, did not use the harassment consultation system, according to the survey.
About one-fourth of the respondents who reported damage said they did not use the system because it was not well known.
But 23% said they could not expect any improvement, 10.7% said they were concerned about disadvantages and retaliation, and 8.7% said they did not trust the system or counselors.
The survey pointed out that the consultation system “has failed to fulfill its roles and functions.” Disciplinary actions have been taken in eight cases so far, the survey showed.
Based on the survey results, a panel of outside experts set up by the ministry pointed to the SDF’s structural problems, including a wrong recognition that harassment is permissible and a gap in awareness between superiors and subordinates.
The panel called for measures to prevent harassment cases, including responding to cases within three months of reports, making SDF members well aware of disciplinary actions taken and establishing a fair investigation system.
The survey was conducted between September and November last year after former Ground Self-Defense Force member Rina Gonoi claimed that she had been sexually harassed by colleagues.