Criminal conduct, sexual harassment, and homophobia exposed at Welsh fire service

Women were objectified, sent pictures of genitals via social media and images of graphic violence, and sexist comments were shared in staff WhatsApp groups at South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, a damning review has found.

The independent review of the force found one male firefighter at Cardiff Central station refused to speak to or even acknowledge women. It also found "serious deficiencies in the service". The force, the report found, tolerated sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and physical aggression outside of work and found that "inappropriate behaviours exist...from the top down".

The chief fire officer of South Wales Fire and Rescue service has announced he will retire as the report is published. Huw Jakeway released an open letter alongside the publication of the 185-page review. You can read the background to the report here.

READ MORE: Five senior figures at Welsh fire service under investigation for 'bullying or sexual misconduct'

READ MORE: South Wales Fire service stripped of White Ribbon status after allegations of sexual abuse by two firemen

The report says that while "dark humour" is a coping mechanism for firefighters it was found to have turned into sexist or homophobic behaviour while "extremely offensive comments and grossly inappropriate" material was shared in WhatsApp groups including sexually explicit images, images of graphic violence, and sexist comments.

The report says female firefighters were "treated differently" and attitudes that women have an "easier ride" and aren't physically as able as men are "openly touted" at stations and were "expressed sincerely" to the independent team carrying out the review. Female staff and members of the public were objectified and sexualised comments were