Fresh claims of sexual abuse rock Australian military

The Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia,who are backing the claims of the sailor,say that 10 other similar claims have emerged of horrifying tales of sexual,physical and psychological abuse.

“Somebody has to take responsibility for what happened here. These guys have served their country.

“We will absolutely pursue a class action through the courts if appropriate and if more ex-servicemen come forward,” Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia welfare co-ordinator Barry Heffernan was quoted as saying by the paper.

“The association is not going to back off,” Heffernan said.

Independent senator Nick Xenophon,a qualified lawyer who owns a suburban Adelaide law firm that he uses for occasional pro bono work,said the work being done by the association was “genuine”.

“I have met with them and am happy to work with them on this issue,” Xenophon said.

Batten said yesterday he would join any class action lawsuit.

One of those being helped by the veterans’ association is a friend of Batten’s who wants to remain anonymous before any legal action.

Heffernan said the man enlisted at the same time as Batten and suffered regular bashings because of his

friendship.

Another former serviceman being helped by the association,who wants to remain anonymous before any legal proceedings begin,is in his early 30s. The man was based at the Australian Army’s Kapooka training base in NSW.

“He was raped three times by a senior non-commissioned officer,” Heffernan added.