A devastating new survey conducted by the Ministry of Defence has exposed a culture of widespread sexual harassment within the UK armed forces, revealing that one in four women have experienced such abuse.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Systemic Problem
The comprehensive study, published in November 2025, found that 26% of female service personnel reported experiencing sexual harassment within the past year. Even more concerning, 3% of women disclosed experiencing actual or attempted sexual assault during the same period.
When examining the experiences of women throughout their entire military careers, the figures become even more stark. The survey indicates that more than one in three servicewomen (34%) have faced sexual harassment at some point during their time in the armed forces.
The research also uncovered significant issues with reporting these incidents. Among those who experienced the most serious forms of sexual harassment, a staggering 72% chose not to make a formal report. Their reasons for remaining silent paint a troubling picture of institutional failure.
Barriers to Reporting and Institutional Distrust
Many victims expressed concerns that reporting would damage their career prospects or that their complaints wouldn't be taken seriously by the chain of command. This lack of confidence in the military's handling of such sensitive matters represents a significant challenge for defence leaders.
The survey methodology adds weight to these concerning findings. Conducted between January and March 2025, the research gathered responses from 12,605 regular and reserve personnel across all service branches, making it one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind.
Defence Secretary John Healey responded to the disturbing results by acknowledging the severity of the situation. He stated that the findings demonstrate that sexual harassment remains a serious problem within defence culture that requires immediate and decisive action.
Commitment to Cultural Transformation
The Ministry of Defence has pledged to implement a robust action plan to address these deep-seated issues. This initiative aims to transform the military environment into one where all personnel, regardless of gender, can serve with dignity and respect.
Key elements of the proposed solution include enhanced support systems for victims, improved reporting mechanisms that protect those who come forward, and comprehensive training programmes designed to foster a more inclusive and respectful culture throughout the armed forces.
This survey follows previous efforts to understand and combat inappropriate behaviour within the military, building on work initiated by former defence secretary Ben Wallace. The persistent nature of these problems highlights the difficulty of achieving meaningful cultural change in established institutions.
As the MOD grapples with these challenging findings, pressure mounts for tangible improvements in how the military prevents and responds to sexual misconduct. The credibility of the armed forces' commitment to creating a safe working environment for all personnel now hangs in the balance.
