Cyber Harassment in the UK Armed Forces

Cyber harassment, including the distribution of revenge porn, is an under researched area and serious concern in many organisations, including the UK armed forces. Cyber harassment, also known as online harassment or cyberbullying, involves using digital communication tools (e.g., social media, email, text messages) to threaten, intimidate, or harm others emotionally or psychologically. This can take many forms, including spreading false information, stalking, or engaging in harmful behaviour online. Revenge porn is a specific form of cyber harassment that involves sharing explicit or intimate images or videos of someone without their consent. This is often done as an act of revenge or to humiliate the victim. Cyber harassment, including revenge porn, can have serious consequences within the UK armed forces. It can cause Military Sexual Trauma, damage morale, harm unit cohesion, and negatively affect the mental health and well-being of service members. I don’t know if the Military Police have policies and regulations in place to address cyber harassment and revenge porn,,, but they should!

These policies should aim to prevent such behaviour, provide guidelines for reporting incidents, and outline consequences for those who engage in such actions. Service members who experience cyber harassment, including revenge porn, should be encouraged to report these incidents to their chain of command, military police, or appropriate authorities. Support services should also be made available to help victims cope with the emotional and psychological effects of such harassment.

In the civilian world, I believe that those found guilty of sharing explicit images or videos without consent can face legal consequences, including imprisonment. Training and education courses should be implemented within the armed forces to raise awareness about cyber harassment, provide information on how to prevent it, and encourage a culture of respect and dignity among service members.

Service members should be educated about the importance of online safety, including safeguarding personal information and maintaining privacy settings on social media platforms. It is crucial for the UK armed forces, like any organisation, to take cyber harassment and revenge porn seriously and to provide support and resources for victims. Promoting a culture of respect and accountability can help prevent such incidents and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist