Dutch navy multi-function support ship for amphibious operations Zr. Ms. Karel Doorman in Curaçao. (File photo)
PHILIPSBURG--The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee is investigating reports of a sex crime on board Dutch navy multi-function support ship Zr. Ms. Karel Doorman. A naval officer was accused of sexually assaulting a sailor. At least two other sailors also came forward to report him, the Dutch De Telegraaf newspaper reported.
The Marechaussee, a policing force that works as part of the Dutch military, confirmed to the newspaper that an investigation was launched, but would give no further details. The Karel Doorman has been providing coronavirus assistance in the Dutch Caribbean since April 24.
The vessel is currently performing Coast Guard tasks on the southern border near Curaçao and Aruba, but the navy vessel was in St. Maarten when the incident was reported.
Sources on board the ship told De Telegraaf that a male officer sexually assaulted a sailor over the weekend. The sailor reported the incident and two Marechaussee officers were sent to investigate and take statements. Their presence prompted two other sailors to come forward. They reported that the officer involved previously harassed them too, but they did not report him at the time.
The Royal Navy initially decided to keep all involved working on the Karel Doorman, because the officer was essential to the progress of the mission, according to the newspaper. However, on Wednesday he decided to leave the ship along with the Marechaussee. Colleagues will take over his tasks until a replacement from the Netherlands arrives.
The Marechaussee could not provide the Dutch newspaper with exact figures but said that relatively few sexual offenses are reported within the military.
Lawyer Sebas Diekstra, who specializes in military affairs, told the newspaper that by far not all victims dare to come forward, especially if the perpetrator is their superior.
“Partly because assault does not happen when you are on a deck with the full crew. There is often a one-to-one situation and so it is complex from an evidence-technical point of view. A victim quickly fears that he or she will be blamed if the case comes to nothing.”
Diekstra called the fact that others came forward once the first sailor reported the officer a “well-known phenomenon,” according to De Telegraaf. “A case is then simmering until a victim hears that he is not alone. They feel stronger together and then report at the same time.”
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the investigation to the Amigoe newspaper in Curaçao. “An investigation is underway by the military police. They recorded reports and heard witnesses in close collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten, among others. The investigation is now being continued under the leadership of the Prosecutor’s Office in the Netherlands,” said a spokesperson.
The Ministry of Defence also stated that the naval officer involved has not yet returned to the Netherlands but is still in the Caribbean. “The investigation is in full swing,” said the spokesperson.
