Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to enhance the (1) welfare, and (2) safety, of female members of the armed forces.

I am deeply concerned that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable and criminal sexual behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces. I am clear there is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military. This Government is working hard to support our personnel, stamp out unacceptable behaviour and enhance the welfare and safety of female members of the Armed Forces. We are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform.

Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to, and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment, and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families.

In addition, all personnel now complete annual mandatory training to ensure they know and show the standards of behaviour and professionalism the Armed Forces expect. Those who believe they have experienced or witnessed unacceptable behaviour are strongly encouraged to report it. All allegations are thoroughly investigated and if proven can lead to the termination of service of the perpetrator.

These changes are being embedded throughout our culture, policies, and enduring practices across every part of the Armed Forces. However, there is more work to do, and it is important to make lasting and effective change. This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the Service Justice System. I expect that such change will give Service personnel the confidence they need to report sexual offences and inappropriate behaviours, knowing they will be listened to. I am clear that everyone must play a role in building and upholding the respectful, professional environment we all need to thrive.

To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond.

We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.