In 2025, a hundred military personnel were suspended for misconduct, a significant jump from nearly zero suspensions just two years prior, according to Deputy Laetitia Saint-Paul. She described this rise as a "small revolution" within the armed forces, suggesting a shift in how such issues are being addressed. The increase in suspensions follows new policies and stricter enforcement of existing laws aimed at combating sexual and gender-based violence in the military.
Experts, however, caution that while the increase in suspensions may reflect a more active application of the law, it does not necessarily mean the problem has been solved. They argue that the path to effectively addressing and preventing such violence remains long and complex, requiring ongoing efforts in education, policy enforcement, and cultural change within the military.
This development is part of the second episode of Maine Libre, an investigative series focusing on sexual and gender-based violence within the military. The first episode highlighted the prevalence of such issues and the challenges in addressing them, setting the stage for this latest look at how the military is responding to the problem.
The increased number of suspensions has sparked both hope and skepticism among advocates and military personnel alike. While some see it as a step forward in holding individuals accountable, others emphasize that real progress requires more than just disciplinary actions. It involves fostering a culture of respect and safety, improving reporting mechanisms, and ensuring that victims receive the support they need.
Increased Suspensions in Military Over Sexual and Gender-Based Violence
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
militarysexual-violenceaccountabilitymaine-libregender-based-violencearmy



