A greater long-term approach is needed to stamp out sexual harassment within the Defence Force once and for all, according to one sexual abuse advocate.

The Defence Force launched Operation RESPECT in 2016 to eliminate harmful and inappropriate sexual behaviour in its ranks. 

New information obtained by Newstalk ZB reveals that, since then, 126 defence force personnel have reported being the victim of sexual harassment.

That figure relates to the period between July 2016 and October 2018. The incidents include disclosures of indecent assault, sexual violation, films and publications, indecent act and criminal harassment. 18 relate to incidents that occurred before the person joined the Defence Force.  22 of the complaints are from men.

Executive Director Rape Prevention Education Debbi Tohill says although the figures are disappointing, she's not surprised.

"An organisation such as Defence, they may see it as impacting on their future promotion within Defence. There may also be issues around who is doing the offending, in that it may be one of their superior officers."

Tohill says a series of workshops is not going to change a culture that's been embedded for decades.

"It's great that they have started this process, but it's got to be a continual process. They need to keep looking at ways they can change the culture."

The Defence Force says one trend that has emerged is how often alcohol is stated as a contributing factor in sexual violence. 59 of the 126 cases have alcohol as a contributing factor. It says that's why it's undertaking a STAND campaign in conjunction with the New Zealand Drug Foundation to address harm associated with the misuse of alcohol.

 The Defence Force says, under  Operation Respect, it has increased the avenues  by which individuals can report harassment and sexual assault and introduced a dedicated and professional Sexual Assault Response Team.