Abuse and impunity in the British armed forces: a soldier’s story
As a victim of violent abuse in the army, I know all too well how long the effects last. We need to start facing the problem honestly, openly and fearlessly, writes GARETH FESSEY
THERE is an underbelly of sexual abuse in this society. It happens in schools, coaching environments, the church — you name it. The armed forces, too, are a playground for sadistic abusers.
Two-thirds of women in the army have experienced bullying, harassment or sexual abuse during their time in the forces, and 10 per cent of female child recruits are now sexually assaulted by their colleagues. According to anecdotal evidence, those proportions are similar for boys.
It’s the dirty little secret that everybody in those institutions knows about. Of course, they don’t want to admit it, so lawsuits take place behind the scenes, compensation deals are made, and the public never hears about it.
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