Reporting abuse in Defence Frequently Asked Questions The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office), within its Defence Force Ombudsman (DFO) jurisdiction, is able to receive reports of serious abuse within the Australian Defence Force (Defence). This provides an independent, external, impartial and confidential mechanism to report serious abuse for those who feel unable, for whatever reason, to access Defence’s internal mechanisms. Serious abuse means sexual abuse, serious physical abuse or serious bullying or harassment which occurred between two (or more) people who were employed in Defence at the time. Our Frequently Asked Questions aim to assist reportees, or individuals acting on behalf of reportees, to engage with our Office and understand the options available to them.
Reporting abuse in Defence Frequently Asked Questions The Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (the Office), within its Defence Force Ombudsman (DFO) jurisdiction, is able to receive reports of serious abuse within the Australian Defence Force (Defence). This provides an independent, external, impartial and confidential mechanism to report serious abuse for those who feel unable, for whatever reason, to access Defence’s internal mechanisms. Serious abuse means sexual abuse, serious physical abuse or serious bullying or harassment which occurred between two (or more) people who were employed in Defence at the time. Our Frequently Asked Questions aim to assist reportees, or individuals acting on behalf of reportees, to engage with our Office and understand the options available to them.
FINAL-approved-Reporting-abuse-in-Defence-FAQs-MS-word-June-2018.docx