The Jaysley Beck Inquest: A Tsunami of MST Anonymous Disclosures.

The past week has seen the British military under intense scrutiny due to alarming reports of sexual assault and harassment within its ranks. The tragic case of Gunner Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old soldier found dead in her barracks in 2021, has brought these issues to the forefront. An inquest into her death revealed a pervasive culture of misogyny, with female soldiers enduring severe sexual harassment and abusive comments.

There has been an outpouring of online support and disclosures of sexual assault and harassment in response to this tragedy.  Testimonies highlighted incidents where young female soldiers have been propositioned by superiors and ignored in their complaint and suffrage, creating an environment rife with fear and mistrust.  These revelations are not isolated.

A Defence Committee report unveiled systemic failings within the military justice system, noting that servicewomen often feel compelled to "put up and shut up" when faced with sexual assault and rape. The report emphasised that victims frequently perceive a choice between seeking justice and preserving their careers, while perpetrators often evade accountability.  The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has implemented policies to address unacceptable behaviour, including confidential helplines and whistleblowing channels. However, the effectiveness of these measures is questionable, as many service personnel remain reluctant to report incidents due to fear of retaliation or damaging their careers.

Addressing this deeply rooted issue requires a multifaceted approach. Implementing trauma-informed principles is crucial to creating an environment where victims feel safe to report incidents. This involves understanding the profound impact of trauma and ensuring that responses to disclosures are compassionate and supportive.  Furthermore, adopting uniform definitions of sexual harassment and assault across military operations can provide clarity and consistency in handling such cases. This standardisation is vital for fostering a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual misconduct and Forward Assist have been campaigning to the MOD Office for Veterans Affairs representative Alistair Cairns to accept the definition of Military Sexual Trauma (MST).

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) is a term used by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to describe experiences of sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that a veteran experienced during their military service. This includes any sexual activity performed against one's will, such as being pressured into sexual activities through threats or promises, unable to consent due to intoxication, or being physically forced into sexual acts. It also encompasses unwanted sexual touching, grabbing, threatening, or offensive remarks about a person's body or sexual activities, and unwelcome sexual advances. 

Forward Assist, a UK-based charity, has been instrumental in addressing the pervasive issue of Military Sexual Trauma (MST) within the British Armed Forces. Recognising the unique challenges faced by male survivors, a group often overlooked in discussions about military sexual violence, Forward Assist has dedicated significant resources to shed light on their experiences. Their comprehensive research delves into the profound impact of MST on male and female veterans, the impact of alcohol misuse and better understanding of experience amongst BAME & LGBTQ+ groups.

These publications not only highlight the psychological and emotional toll of such trauma but also emphasise the systemic barriers survivors encounter when seeking support. Through advocacy and the promotion of trauma-informed care, Forward Assist strives to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all MST survivors within the military community.

The recent disclosures underscore the urgent need for cultural transformation within the British military. While policies and procedures are in place, their implementation and the overarching military culture must evolve to support and protect all service members. Only through genuine commitment to change can the military hope to rebuild trust and ensure the safety and dignity of its personnel.

 Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist

UK Office for Veterans Affairs moves to Ministry of Defence. What Does That Mean for Military Sexual Trauma Survivors?

In my opinion, moving the UK Office for Veterans Affairs from the Government to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) poses several significant concerns for military sexual trauma (MST) survivors, simply because, the MoD's primary mission is defence and military readiness, which can lead to conflicts of interest when addressing sensitive issues like MST. Survivors may fear that their cases will not be handled impartially if the same department responsible for their trauma is also responsible for their care and support.

MST survivors may have a deep mistrust of the military system due to their experiences. Placing their support services under the MoD could deter them from seeking help, fearing retribution or lack of empathy from a system they perceive as having failed them. Survivors might worry about the confidentiality of their cases within the MoD, fearing that reporting incidents could affect their military careers or lead to further victimisation.

The Government Office for Veterans Affairs, when it was a separate entity, might have been able to provide a safer and more confidential environment for reporting and support. Similarly, Civilian-led veteran affairs offices are more likely to offer specialised services tailored to MST survivors, including mental health support, legal assistance, and advocacy. I would argue that currently, the MoD lack the specific expertise and resources to address these needs adequately. An independent Government Office for Veterans Affairs could have offered more robust oversight and accountability for handling MST cases.

This independence is crucial for ensuring that complaints are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly without internal military biases. The UK Office for Veterans Affairs had the capability to adopt a holistic approach to veteran care, integrating MST support with other services such as housing, employment, and healthcare. The MoD's focus on military operations might limit its ability to provide such comprehensive care. AS a Social Worker with 40 years experience I highlight the potential negative impacts on MST survivors now that the Office for Veterans Affairs has moved under the jurisdiction of the MoD.

Ensuring that survivors have access to independent, empathetic, and specialised support remains my raison d'etre, as it is crucial for military sexual trauma survivors, long term recovery and well-being.

Tony Wright CEO Forward Assist