Warning: This article contains material some readers may find distressing
Jane* served in the British Army for almost 20 years. It was a career she loved and excelled in, rising through the ranks. But then, she says, it ended when a colleague raped her.
She breaks down as she recalls the night out, almost six years ago.
Jane reported the attack to the Royal Military Police but days later was called into a meeting with officers in her chain of command and accused of flirting with men and drinking too much. Later, she discovered messages they had exchanged calling her a whore.
The military police investigated, but the case never made it to court martial, where military trials are heard – she was told there was an unrealistic chance of conviction.
Her case formed part of a legal process to try to force the previous government to transfer rape investigations in the armed forces to civilian courts, but the change was voted down in parliament.
Now, a high-profile former defence minister, and veteran, who failed to back the move has admitted he got it wrong.
Johnny Mercer has told Sky News that he, and other members of the previous government, must accept their part in the “colossal failure of leadership across all ranks” to deal with sexual abuse in the army.
Three female veterans have shared their stories with Sky News.
A toxic culture where abuse is rife
When 19-year-old soldier Jaysley Beck took her own life in December 2021, hundreds of servicewomen shared their experiences on social media, describing a toxic culture where sexual abuse is not only rife but tolerated.
The inquest into Gunner Beck’s death last month found she had been sexually assaulted and then failed by the army when she reported it. This prompted the change of heart from Johnny Mercer.
“I should have argued harder for serious and sexual offences to be taken away from the MoD to civilian police,” he told Sky News. He has now called on the current government to act, saying “now is the time to make that change”.
Hayley* was a new recruit when she reported witnessing a female colleague being sexually assaulted by a senior officer.
She said at first “he didn’t say anything”. Then “he dragged me by the back of my coat, up the stairs to the office. I knew I couldn’t keep up, and I remember falling over my knees, like dragging on the floor”.
She continued: “He stood over me with his finger right in my face, screaming and swearing – like he was screaming so much he was spitting – and he was saying ‘don’t you dare speak about that ever again’.
“I remember thinking there’s girls who are at risk here, anything can happen to them and nobody cares.”
Months later, she was woken up by a male colleague climbing into her bed.
“He was trying to kiss my face and touch me,” she said, her voice trembling. “I was moving my head and saying: ‘you need to go’.”
She reported it to the Royal Military Police.
“I remember them being so condescending.”
They asked her if she had been drinking, if she had locked her door and if she had encouraged him.
“It did eventually get dropped because there wasn’t enough evidence against him.”
‘I was left with bruising on my neck’
Michelle, who left the army in 2020 after 11 years that included active service in Afghanistan, said sexual harassment went on “all the time”.
“I’ve had my breasts grabbed by people…Guys when I’ve walked upstairs have looked up my skirt to see if I’m wearing underwear,” she said.
“Disgusting stuff like that”.
Jane said her attacker was someone she knew.
“He was trying to kiss me, and I was pushing him away. He grabbed at my throat and was pushing me down on to this blow-up bed. And then he was trying to put his penis in my mouth,” she said.
“I had bruising to both my arms and also on my neck.
“It was the worst experience I’ve ever been through. I loved my career and never wanted to leave my job. I nearly lost everything, including my mental health. I wanted to end it all.”
The Royal Military Police investigated but the case did not go to court martial because, Jane was told, there was an unrealistic possibility of conviction.
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Call to remove sexual offences from military court
Campaigners have been urging politicians for years to remove sexual offence cases from the military justice system.
“The conviction rate for cases that get to court martial for rapes and serious sexual assault is far lower than the equivalent figures in the Crown Court,” said Emma Norton, a lawyer who established the Centre for Military Justice.
“That, on the face of it, is a serious difference that is completely unjustifiable.”
In opposition, Labour backed the proposal to transfer serious and sexual offences out of military courts. Sky News asked the Ministry of Defence (MoD) if it intends to make the legal change but it did not reply to the question.
A spokesperson for the MoD said: “There is no place for bullying, harassment or discrimination in the military. This government is totally committed to making the reforms that are needed to stamp out inappropriate behaviour and hold people to account.”
Their experiences have left many women conflicted about their time in the army.
“I had some of the best and also worst times of my life… that’s hard to reconcile,” said Hayley.
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“I don’t want to look back and feel sorry for myself, but I feel the younger version of myself was severely let down by the people who were in authority at the time.
“It’s not acceptable for this to be happening.”
*Names have been changed
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
