MP calls on defence chiefs to act urgently after RAF veteran reveals rape ordeal
The issue of military sexual trauma will be raised at Westminster after an RAF veteran revealed how she felt abandoned after being raped by a colleague in Iraq. Former intelligence analyst Helen Bolland waived her anonymity to reveal that she believes the Ministry of Defence is ignoring military sexual trauma – an issue already widely recognised in the US.
Dave Doogan, an SNP MP on the Commons’ defence select committee, said her case highlighted a pressing need for change. He said: “The MoD has a lamentable record in tackling the bullying, discrimination and harassment young recruits and members of the armed forces find themselves faced with. Ministers habitually grind out grudging acknowledgements of the need for improvement and greater protection against sexual misconduct but there remains a scandalous lack of urgency over this.”
Bolland, 41, from Erskine, said she was attacked during a tour of duty in Iraq in 2005. She reported the incident to police earlier this year. She accused senior officers of failing to support her and the MoD of ignoring the issue of sexual assaults within the British military. The problem is widely recognised in the US, where it has been linked to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health issues.
In July last year, a report led by Sarah Atherton MP on women in the forces revealed 62% of 4,000 servicewomen and female veterans surveyed experienced bullying, sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape or harassment or discrimination during their career.
Paul Sweeney MSP, a former Royal Regiment of Scotland soldier, said: “Helen’s case is incredibly harrowing and it’s clear that she has been fundamentally failed by the MOD and the UK Government. It’s unacceptable that the MOD is dragging its heels on recognising military sexual trauma when other countries and governments have led the way. As a matter of urgency, that needs to change. By refusing to recognise it as a standalone issue, not only do they detract from the severity of the actions which lead to military sexual trauma, but they make it less likely that those suffering from symptoms of military sexual trauma are taken seriously when they present to clinicians.”
It has been recognised in US federal law and by the US Government’s Department of Veteran Affairs but is not yet acknowledged by UK authorities. Tony Wright, of trauma charity Forward Assist, welcomed our story of Bolland’s ordeal last week but said male survivors were also overlooked, with many being driven into addiction by stigma and a culture of silence in the forces.
He said the MOD and UK Government must adopt the term and recognise military sexual trauma. Wright said the UK Government should initiate an independent reporting system for male and female survivors who want to report historical abuse. He added: “The armed forces need to act to change its culture. These aren’t isolated cases.”
The MOD said: “Sexual assault or harassment has no place in the armed forces and all allegations are taken seriously and investigated by the service police. We continue to improve reporting mechanisms so personnel feel safe in raising issues and confident allegations will be acted on. This includes creating a victim and witness care unit, ensuring complaints of bullying, harassment or discrimination are dealt with by outside the chain of command, and strengthening the levers available to discharge someone who has committed a sexual offence.”