It’s time to change the narrative around sexual harassment in the Armed Forces
Sadly, it is no secret that sexual harassment has been rife in the Armed Forces.
With the inquest into the sad death of Gunner Jaysley Beck currently ongoing, hundreds of women and men have spoken out on social media about their own experiences of harassment in the Armed Forces.
A high proportion of these stories involve the Chain of Command not investigating, using manipulation tactics, not taking reports seriously and often supporting the alleged perpetrator.
In August 2023, Royal Navy Commander George Walton was sentenced to 10 months in military prison for sexually assaulting a female sailor. At the time of the offence, Walton was second in command of HMS Albion and responsible for discipline.
Walton ignored the woman’s protests to lift up her top and he put his hand down her shorts in an “appalling” sexual assault. Walton had served for over 25 years.
The very person on a warship who was responsible for good order and disciple – a senior commissioned officer any sailor on that ship should have been able to rely on for maintaining discipline and investigating any wrongdoing – was himself guilty of sexually assaulting another.
For far too long, senior officers have made decisions to protect the image of our Armed Forces.
This must change. The people in our Armed Forces must come first.
One person currently serving claims they were sexual harassed by a senior officer who is still serving in a senior command role today. They say the incident was reported and the perpetrator continued to be promoted with no further action.
The Armed Forces needs an independent complaints system for reporting bullying, harassment and sexual assault. The military must not be allowed to mark its own homework.
It takes one voice to start a conversation; together our voices can create change. It’s time the narrative changed, and the MOD introduces an independent agency to investigate all alleged offences and support those who speak out.
If you are suffering harassment now, help is available. You are not alone. Speak to the service police, civilian police, medical centre, Padre, a senior officer, a friend, a colleague. There are organisations who can help including Salute Her, Centre for Military Justice, and the Samaritans.
Further information on how BBK can help can be found here: Sexual Assault in the Military Claims.
