Help for army victims of sexual assault as suspects warned ‘nowhere to cover’
Service police will be handed greater powers for investigations to speed up the process, including allowing officers to authorise detaining suspects before charge
Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck took her own life months after she was sexually assaulted by a senior officer(Image: PA Media)
Victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse or stalking by serving military personnel will receive tougher protections under a new law.
Service police will be handed greater powers for investigations to speed up the process, including allowing officers to authorise detaining suspects pre-charge, which currently can only be done by a commanding officer.
New protective orders will be brought in to allow for swifter action against perpetrators and protect victims from further harm. There will also be stronger guidance to help victims decide whether they want their case tried in civilian courts or the military system.
The measures to toughen the disciplinary code governing the military will go before MPs today as the Armed Forces Bill gets its first Commons debate.
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Veterans Minister Louise Sandher-Jones said: “Having served in the Army, I recognise the challenges victims can face when coming forward to report offences. We will ensure there is nowhere to hide for those who commit sexual violence.”
She added: “Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in our Armed Forces. Defence will play our part in delivering on this Government’s commitment to halve violence against women and girls, while recognising that abuse can affect anyone.”
It follows the tragic case of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, who took her own life months after failures to properly investigate her allegations of sexual assault against a senior officer. Warrant Officer Michael Webber assaulted Gunner Beck during a training exercise in Hampshire in July 2021, when she was 19.
She was found dead five months later in her barracks at Larkhill, Wiltshire. The Army has since apologised and said it had not done enough to support her when she made the complaint, which was not reported to the police.
An inquest heard that she did not report “relentless harassment” by Bombardier Ryan Mason, who was her line manager, after losing faith in the complaints system.
Webber, 43, who has since left the army, was jailed for six months last year.
Meanwhile, an official survey last year found two thirds of women serving in the armed forces had experienced sexualised behaviour such as groping, leering and harassment.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD), which commissioned the probe, said the findings were “wholly unacceptable” and unveiled plans for a prevention scheme to tackle unacceptable sexual behaviour.
The Bill will also enshrine into law the Armed Forces Covenant, which will see rights and access to public services for military personnel, veterans and their families legally protected.
The Government has also beefed up spending for veterans, with support trebling from £11.6million in 2023/24 to almost £37million promised in 2025/2026.
