Armed Forces: Sexual Offences

(asked on 19th April 2022) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what specialist support his Department provides for men in the Armed Forces who have reported sexual assaults during (a) initiation ceremonies and (b) service careers.


Answered by
Leo Docherty Portrait
Leo Docherty
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)
This question was answered on 25th April 2022

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to the welfare of its people. The Armed Forces promote equity in Service for all those affected by sexual assault and abuse, and there are multiple forms of support and assistance available, both within and external to Defence, for all our personnel, including men and the LGBTQ+ and BAME communities, both during and post-service.

Whilst in service, available support includes unit welfare officers, the chain of command, and pastoral support via the chaplaincy. Further assistance is also available via the Aurora service which provides confidential independent support to any serving member who is experiencing sexual violence, domestic abuse, or stalking. There is also Togetherall, an independent digital mental health support tool operated by the NHS in partnership with the MOD, through which Service personnel, veterans, and their family members can anonymously access tailored self-help courses.

Independent support is also available via the charitable sector. For example, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) provides help to all Service personnel and veterans with any mental or emotional health concerns. SSAFA can sign-post individuals to specific organisations for further targeted support. There is also The Samaritans, who work with the MOD and other charities to support Serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

For men specifically, examples include The Male Survivors Partnership which offers a free counselling service for men, and those supporting them, who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual violence. Also Survivors UK provide a helpline, face-to-face counselling, and support groups for men who have been raped or sexually abused. For LGBTQ+ personnel, Galop, for instance, operates helplines which facilitate access to caseworker who can design tailored assistance for LGBT+ personnel who have experienced abuse and violence. Also Fighting with Pride also signposts sources of help for LGBTQ+ veterans and work with a wide range of organisations.

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