The Impact of Bullying, Harassment, and Sexual Assault in the Military: A Pathway to In-Service Suicides and Broader Institutional Implications

The profound effects of bullying, harassment, and sexual assault within military environments, can contribute to in-service suicides among both male and female personnel. A quick google search highlight the tragedies at Deepcut Barracks and the deaths of individuals such as Jaysley Beck, Robert Fleeting, Olivia Perks, Jayne Elizabeth Hill, and Anne-Marie Ellement to name but a few. Yet all point to systemic failures that perpetuate abuse and hinder effective victim focussed interventions.

For example, between 1995 and 2002, Deepcut Barracks in Surrey, England, was the site of the mysterious deaths of four young soldiers: Privates Sean Benton, Cheryl James, Geoff Gray, and James Collinson. Investigations into these deaths revealed a culture rife with bullying, harassment, and abuse. Reports highlighted instances of sexual assaults and a pervasive environment of fear and intimidation. Despite multiple inquiries, the exact circumstances surrounding these deaths remain contentious, underscoring the military's challenges in addressing internal misconduct effectively.

The military, as a cornerstone of national defence, is expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and respect. However, numerous reports and investigations have unveiled a distressing prevalence of bullying, harassment, and sexual assault within its ranks. These toxic behaviours not only undermine the morale and cohesion essential to military effectiveness but also have devastating personal consequences, including mental health deterioration and, in extreme cases, suicide. There is always the potential for these behaviours to infiltrate civilian sectors, thereby perpetuating cycles of abuse.

Yet, there are no publicly available studies or reports that specifically indicate how any UK military veterans were not found guilty of sexual violence or harassment by Military Police while serving. However, there have been cases of UK military veterans being convicted of serious crimes and sexual offences post-service and it could be argued that perhaps a misogynistic military cultures permeated civilian uniformed institutions like the police and/or Fire Service as veterans transitioned to civilian occupations. Military veterans with a track record of perpetrating in-service sexual assault and/or harassment, even if not found guilty, may prove a risk of harm to others in civilian life when in positions of authority. For example, Wayne Couzens and others.

Studies and reports have consistently highlighted the alarming rates of bullying and sexual misconduct in military settings. A recent revelation from over 1,000 female officers and soldiers (some with 22 years of service) detailed experiences of sexual abuse, prompting the head of the army, General Sir Roly Walker, to condemn the "appalling and shameful behaviour" Such incidents range from inappropriate comments and propositions to severe cases of assault and rape, often perpetrated by superiors, creating an environment where victims feel powerless, unsupported and suicidal.

Yet, despite the implementation of policies aimed at eradicating such behaviours, systemic failures persist. Investigations have uncovered instances where complaints were inadequately addressed by the Military Police or dismissed altogether. This indicates a broader cultural issue where misconduct is normalised, and accountability is lacking.

Nineteen-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire in December 2021. Prior to her death, Beck endured severe harassment from her superior, Bombardier Ryan Mason, who sent her thousands of unsolicited messages and exhibited controlling behaviour. Additionally, she was reportedly pinned down and forcibly kissed by another officer, Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber. Despite reporting these incidents, the responses were inadequate, and the perpetrators received minimal sanctions, Beck's tragic death highlights the dire consequences of a culture that fails to protect its members from internal threats.

The case of Robert Fleeting has long been a source of deep grief and controversy for his family, and it continues to fuel their fight for justice. Robert, a 24‐year‐old RAF firefighter stationed at RAF Benson, died on September 4, 2011, under circumstances that have left his family questioning the official verdict. Although an inquest returned a verdict of suicide, the Fleeting family has persistently argued that there are serious unresolved questions regarding the events leading up to his death.

Olivia Perks, an officer cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, whose death in 2019 was preceded by concerns about her welfare and the support systems in place for young recruits. Jayne Elizabeth Hill, a soldier whose death brought attention to the mental health challenges faced by military personnel and the potential impact of bullying and internal unit dynamics. Anne-Marie Ellement, a Royal Military Police officer who died by suicide in 2011 after alleging she was raped by colleagues. Her case underscored the military's inadequate response to sexual assault allegations and the profound impact on victims and their family’s mental health.

The hierarchical and insular nature of military institutions often deters victims from reporting incidents of abuse. Fear of retaliation, damage to one's career, and a pervasive fear of being ostracised, contribute to underreporting. Moreover, investigations are frequently conducted internally, leading to potential conflicts of interest and a lack of impartiality.

The stories of all of the above, remain deeply emotive and a contentious chapter in the narrative of military service in the United Kingdom. For some of the families their ongoing battles for justice reflect their unwavering belief that the official investigation into their deaths was inadequate and that critical questions remain unanswered. Many continue to fight for a complete and transparent inquiry, and their individual cases stand as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by service personnel and the potential consequences of institutional failures.

In summary, General Sir Roly Walker has reportedly penned a letter to the British Army chain of command implying they are complicit in the "appalling and shameful" abuse being reported online. I personally agree with him and I will continue to write lived experience research reports to highlight this issue. The question is, will the UK Military accept that they do not have the expertise or indeed experience to address this issue on their own, and will eventually have to reach out to professional, but untrusted civilian experts. Time will tell, but the bubble has burst. To not do so… is indefensible.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist