07 February 2024 , 10:01
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An RAF servicewoman has described hiding in a toilet to escape "constant" sexual harassment from her boss.
The woman, named 'Grace' - not her real name - said she was left feeling "scared to go into work" - and eventually quit the air force over the issue.
Her shocking story comes not long after the Red Arrows was placed in special measures last year over predatory behaviour, which an inquiry found was "normalised" within the display team.
Grace's complaint relates to a different part of the RAF - but added to the existing questions about its work culture, and how women are treated within the air force.
She told the BBC that her experience was "traumatic", and meant she would now advise young women against joining the RAF. Describing some of the abuse she faced and the extreme measures she took as she tried to avoid harassment from her boss, she said: "There was really graphic questioning about how I would engage in sexual activities. I can remember on a couple of occasions going into the toilet and locking myself in to stop myself from being alone in a room with that person."
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Grace went on to lodge a complaint - and ended up being sanctioned by the RAF. Her case was later found proven and upheld, with her manager subjected to undisclosed "disciplinary action", but officials did not tell her what - if any - action was being taken against him. She also described how the experience had "wrecked" her mental health, causing her to have panic attacks over her fears about going into work, and left her feeling like an "anxious mess".
A different RAF servicewoman, who had been part of the Red Arrows, told the BBC that she had been left "really shocked" by explicit comments made about female members of the squadron. She joined when an investigation into the display team had already started, and said members of staff had suggested that behaviour training was "unnecessary".
A RAF spokesperson said: “Where complaints are made by personnel they are independently and comprehensively investigated. The RAF takes all allegations of unacceptable behaviour very seriously and will continue to take decisive action against anyone who fails to uphold the high standards set.” They added that the RAF is committed to providing a fair, efficient and effective Service Complaints system and there has been "significant progress" made to improve its performance.
In November last year, Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, Chief of the Air Staff offered his "unreserved apologies to any individuals that were subjected to unacceptable behaviours during their association with the Red Arrows" after three women approached him directly with serious allegations about the culture and behaviours on the team. A report showed that unacceptable behaviours were widespread and "normalised" on the Red Arrows, including harassment, bullying and an alcohol-focused culture.