LONDON, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- About half of the 6,300 women serving in Britain's Royal Air Force have been sexually harassed, an internal report said.
The government research found more than 1,000 women are currently enduring or have suffered sexual harassment in the past 12 months -- an increase since a similar report three years ago, the Independent reports.
The survey found sexual harassment victims are typically harassed by two or more male servicemen of a senior rank -- but only half complained fearing retaliation.
"Whilst people experience unacceptable behavior, the majority tolerate it and do not complain especially because they feel it will not be taken seriously or will affect their career," the report said.
In a case where the victim did complain, Flight Lt. Padraigin Byard won damages from an Equal Opportunities Commission after it heard evidence her male crew had placed a bounty on her head for the first to have sex with her.
