General Sir Roly Walker, the head of the Army has written to senior officers condemning 'shameful behaviour' after more than 1,000 women shared stories following the suicide of Gunner Jaysley Black.
General Sir Roly Walker said he was disgusted by the treatment of female officers and soldiers and suggested that senior ranks might even be “actively complicit” in the behaviour.
He added that he was 'disgusted' by new allegations of sexual abuse and that the behaviour does not match 'our values and standards'.
It comes amid an inquest into the death of Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, who was tragically found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire on December 15 2021.
An Army service inquiry report published in October 2023 said it was 'almost certain' an 'intense period of unwelcome behaviour' had been a causal factor in the teenager's death.
Commenting on the latest developments, Hilary Meredith-Beckham, Chair of Hilary Meredith Solicitors and Visiting Professor of Law and Veterans’ Affairs at the University of Chester said: “There needs to be an independent and confidential inquiry into the continued abuse of women in the military with the choice of anonymity if required.
“There are those opportunists in all walks of life who take advantage to sexually harass and abuse women. The difference here is that young women - and men - are often entrusted by their parents into the care of the Ministry of Defence to live away from home, often for the first time.
“Clearly, reports of abuse have not been taken seriously leaving victims feeling ignored, lonely and trapped in a very real and frightening situation.
“There needs to be an independent route of complaint outside of the command structure so victims feel they have a safe haven to turn to.”
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