Australian servicewomen have launched unprecedented legal action against the Australian Defence Force over allegations they suffered systemic sexual violence, harassment, rape and discrimination while serving their country.

Claims of prolonged victimisation from male colleagues, including accusations of assaults within the past year, are included in a class action filed against the Commonwealth in the Federal Court on Friday.

The legal action follows an investigation by this masthead and 60 Minutes , in which women in Defence spoke out about their sexual assaults and the pressure placed on them to stay quiet, or the consequences if they spoke up.

Four lead applicants will spearhead the lawsuit, filed by class-action law firm JGA Saddler, and include claims of waking up naked and inj

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