Beth Cruse reporting for BBC News in the West of England brings the tragic story of Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, a 19-year-old soldier who took her own life after being sexually assaulted. Gunner Beck’s sister, Emilli Beck, has spoken out about the lack of safety for women in the Army, emphasizing the need for an independent body to handle serious cases in the future.
Following Gunner Beck’s death, a coroner ruled that the Army had failed to take action after she was harassed and sexually assaulted, leading to her tragic end. Emilli Beck expressed her disappointment in the Army’s handling of the situation, stating that her sister was not believed when she reported the incidents. The inquest revealed that Gunner Beck was also subjected to relentless harassment by her line manager, further adding to the distress she faced.
Brig Melissa Emmett, head of the Army personnel services group, has issued an apology to Gunner Beck’s family and highlighted the changes being made within the Army to address unacceptable behaviors. Despite these efforts, Emilli Beck believes more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. She stressed the importance of changing the culture within the Army to ensure that cases of sexual assault and harassment are thoroughly investigated.
Emilli Beck shared fond memories of her sister, describing Jaysley as an incredible person who brought joy to everyone around her. She reiterated the pain her family has endured over the past years and expressed hope that no other family would have to go through a similar ordeal. Female soldiers, she noted, have lost faith in the Army, emphasizing the urgent need for reform to protect the safety and well-being of all service personnel
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
