Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support survivors of child sex abuse committed (a) by military personnel and (b) on military bases.

The safety of the children of Service personnel, and young people under the age of 18 undertaking training, is of utmost importance to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and we are committed to safeguarding and supporting victims of child sexual abuse. Our safeguarding system ensures that all concerns are dealt with promptly, sensitively, and align with statutory requirements.

The MOD provides support to victims of serious crime, regardless of age, through the Victim Witness Care Unit, which is part of the Defence Serious Crime Command, when the offence has been committed by persons subject to service law. In the case of child victims, due to the heightened risk and safeguarding concerns, the Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) will take a proactive approach by engaging with Appropriate Adults, Social Workers, and specialist support services, such as Sexual Assault Referral Centres or Independent Sexual Violence Advisers.

The VLO will also prioritise identifying local services near the victim's or family's location, including Advocacy services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. In all circumstances, the victim will be supported by a range of personnel and agencies, both internal and external to Defence, to ensure their individual needs are fully met.

Our safeguarding process is clearly set out in the Defence Safeguarding Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 834), which defines the protection responsibilities and ensures safeguarding training is provided to equipped personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfil their safeguarding duties effectively.

Defence Direction and Guidance for Training and Education (JSP 822) outlines that personnel under the age of 18 have particular care and welfare needs as well as additional legal requirements. JSP 822 flags that maturity and experience can vary considerably between individuals and as such those who are under the age of 18 may be more at risk than older trainees. It also directs establishments to provide comprehensive Supervisory Care Directives, record a Commander’s Risk Assessment and to comply fully with JSP 834.

The Army Foundation College, Harrogate AFC(H) fully implements the MOD’s Zero Tolerance policies. It reports every instance of unacceptable sexual behaviour, and it has robust policies and processes in place to ensure the safety of students. Prior to each new intake of Junior Soldiers, AFC(H) Permanent Staff undertake refresher training covering all aspects of safeguarding, welfare and unacceptable sexual behaviour.