At least 217 complaints from women and men members of the Army were filed from 2016 to 2021 for acts of harassment, harassment and sexual abuse within the corporation, according to the Secretary of National Defense (Sedena).
In 2016, that secretary received five complaints from members of the Army and Air Force for sexual harassment; four in 2017; five in 2018; three in 2019; five in 2020 and two between January and August 31, 2021.
For sexual harassment, Sedena received 16 complaints in 2016; 21 in 2017; 20 in 2018; 29 in 2019; 27 in 2020 and 11 in between January and August 31, 2021.
Meanwhile, for the conduct of sexual abuse, the Secretary of National Defense received 16 complaints; 21 in 2017; 13 in 2018; eight in 2019; eight in 2020 and three between January and August 31, 2021
This information is contained in the response to the request for information with folio 0000700255321. Meanwhile, in other responses, Sedena said that 33 soldiers have been investigated and administratively sanctioned for some of these behaviors.
Against iberbullying, grooming and sexting
On February 9, 2020, the head of Sedena, Luis Cresencio Sandoval, issued a statement where he declared zero tolerance for acts of harassment, harassment and sexual abuse within the corporation.
“The women and men who make up the Secretariat of National Defense have the responsibility to work with passion and dedication to serve society and at the same time we have the ethical obligation to be spokespersons for integrity, equality and non-discrimination, culture of legality and respect for human rights,” the document mentioned.
“Sexual harassment and sexual harassment, as well as any other form of violence against women, are behaviors that seriously lacerate the dignity of people, with women being the most affected by this form of violence. These practices are not new manifestations, they are part of a structural problem of discrimination against women, based on gender stereotypes of a discriminatory culture”, she added.
In the pronouncement, it prohibited its officials from having physical, suggestive or sexual contact, such as touching, hugging, kissing, groping and pulling, without the express consent of the person receiving them.
Also making gifts, giving undue or notoriously different preferences in exchange for sexual conduct, openly or indirectly and constantly manifesting sexual interest in a person without the express consent of the person receiving them.
Carry out dominant, aggressive, intimidating or hostile behavior towards a person so that they submit to their sexual desires or interests. Spying on a person while they are changing their clothes inside official facilities; condition the obtaining of a job; force to carry out activities unrelated to official work; express comments or compliments; advances; or expressions that denigrate people.
The Sedena also prohibited the practices of cyberbullying, grooming and sexting, since it prohibited displaying images, videos, posters, calendars, messages, posters, illustrations or objects with images on the screen saver or sending them through any means of communication. or structures of a sexual nature, unwanted or requested by the recipient.
“The Ministry of National Defense undertakes to permanently design and promote dissemination campaigns, awareness programs and training on the matter, prioritizing the principles, values and rules of integrity that guide the performance of functions and decision-making of the public servants; periodically disseminate clear and accessible information on care procedures, support mechanisms and guidance to those who are likely to be victims. That is why I make a clear and direct pronouncement that in the face of harassment and sexual harassment there will be no tolerance or impunity for those who compete, “said General Luis Cresencio Sandoval.