But some told to report bullies – to the bullies

ALMOST a thousand serving British troops have called an advice helpline for victims of bullying and harassment.

Most of those who sought help are believed to have been bullied, sexually harassed or racially and sexually discriminated against by colleagues, including senior officers.

But the Daily Star Sunday has learned that some of those who sought help were told to speak to senior officers about their complaints, even though they were linked to the problem.

The helpline was one of 36 recommendations in a 2019 review of behaviour across the Armed Forces by Air Chief Marshal Wigston, inset.

Troops can anonymously report incidents and receive advice. But one female officer claimed helpline counsellors had failed her in its advice.

The recently commissioned officer said of joining her unit: “I was told my duties involved making tea and laughing at jokes, mainly about women.

“I was called love by a warrant officer. When I complained, I was told to ‘get over myself.’ I later heard him refer to me as a lesbian. Obscene sexist jokes... were told within earshot.” She said she complained to the commanding officer, who said he would look into it, but says “no action was taken”. She added: “The bullying increased. I called the hotline and asked for help but was told to speak to my chain of command. “I explained the problem was with my chain of command and was signposted to other areas supposedly offering help, but really there was none.” The MoD said the helpline, which has received around 950 calls since September 2020, had “helped hundreds of people”, adding: “We do not tolerate any form of bullying or discrimination and anyone who falls short of our high standards of behaviour is dealt with appropriately.”