Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what conversations they have had with military chaplains and other welfare teams in the Armed Services about the historic and current prevalence of domestic and sexual violence in the service community.

Defence recognises domestic abuse and sexual violence as serious harms that affect members of the Armed Forces community. Therefore, Defence is focused on delivering a coordinated response that supports those affected, prevents abuse from occurring, and holds perpetrators to account. MOD holds Coordinated Community Response (CCR) membership, which is regarded as best practice, with domestic abuse leads in the single Services undertaking CCR training. Defence values the contribution of chaplains, whose pastoral support and engagement with Service personnel and families complements the work of welfare and safeguarding services across the Armed Forces. Through its whole-force domestic abuse policy, Domestic Abuse Action Plan, and Violence Against Women and Girls taskforces, Defence is raising awareness, improving understanding, strengthening professional practice and support for those affected. It is through these frameworks we are informing the work of welfare-facing services, including chaplaincy and welfare teams, which form part of the wider support network available to Service personnel and families.