VANCOUVER -- The Mounties are hitting back at a B.C. officer whose sexual harassment lawsuit have prompted other women to come forward with their own claims of abuse.

Corporal Catherine Galliford, once the public face of the force in B.C., first outlined her allegations in media interviews last year. She filed a lawsuit two months ago.

Her allegations have prompted the RCMP to promise to tackle harassment within the force.

But the federal government, which represents the RCMP, filed a statement of defence this week denying all of Galliford's allegations.

Instead, the force paints her as an alcoholic who refused treatment and rejected the RCMP's efforts to keep her away from one of the men she alleged harassed her.

None of the allegations contained in either Galliford's lawsuit or the force's statement of defence have been tested in court.

Galliford's lawyer could not be reached for comment.