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A tragic incident at Larkhill in Wiltshire in December 2021 has highlighted the ongoing issue of sexual assault and harassment within the armed forces. After the death of teenage soldier Jaysley Beck, who took her own life following a sexual assault by a superior, her mother, Leighann McCready, has spoken out about the lack of protection for young women in the Army. Warrant Officer Michael Webber was found guilty of sexual assault against Gunner Beck and subsequently sentenced to six months in jail.
McCready’s powerful words on BBC Radio 4’s Today program shed light on the vulnerability of young army recruits, particularly women who may be outnumbered by male counterparts. The failure of the Army to protect Gunner Beck, including not listening to her when she reported the assault, has raised significant concerns about the culture and safety within the armed forces. Despite her daughter’s tragic passing, McCready continues to push for real changes and accountability within the military.
An inquest into Gunner Beck’s death emphasized the Army’s mishandling of her complaint as a contributing factor to her passing. The lack of appropriate action in response to the assault perpetrated by Webber further underscores the need for systemic reform. While some steps have been taken by the Ministry of Defence, including the establishment of a serious crime command and a task force on violence against women and girls, there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of all service personnel.
Moving forward, calls for an independent Armed Forces Commissioner to handle serious complaints and improve conviction rates for sexual offenses are gaining traction. The Army has acknowledged its past mistakes and expressed a commitment to preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. However, as stories of abuse and assault continue to surface, there remains a pressing need for tangible action and accountability within the military
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