Two in Three Women in UK Armed Forces Report Harassment

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A recent survey has revealed that two-thirds of women serving full-time in the United Kingdom’s armed forces have experienced sexualised behaviour over the past year, highlighting a deeply troubling and persistent issue within the military. The findings, published by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), show that women are twice as likely as men to face inappropriate comments, harassment, leering, or unwanted physical contact, underscoring the urgent need for cultural and structural change within the armed forces.

The survey, which encompassed more than 90,000 military personnel—including full-time regulars and part-time reservists—provides a sobering insight into the everyday experiences of women in a predominantly male environment. Sixty-seven percent of female full-time personnel reported encountering some form of sexualised behaviour, ranging from offensive jokes and comments about appearance to more serious incidents involving unwanted touching or groping. Among male regulars, the figure was 34 percent, highlighting a significant gender disparity.

Of the women who reported incidents, a staggering 93 percent considered the behaviour to amount to sexual harassment. Some 42 percent said they had been stared at or leered at in ways that made them uncomfortable, and approximately a third reported being touched inappropriately. The behaviour was most frequently observed in open workplace settings, such as military bases or training units, suggesting that structural and cultural dynamics in these environments may exacerbate the problem.

The MoD, which commissioned the survey, described the findings as “wholly unacceptable” and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issue through education, prevention programmes, and cultural reform. Initiatives now underway include training recruits on consent, misogyny, and the influence of harmful online content, alongside stricter reporting and accountability mechanisms to ensure that incidents are addressed promptly and effectively.

Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones, emphasised the importance of confronting the root causes of sexual harassment in the armed forces. “This survey provides a no-holds-barred baseline,” she said, “allowing us to fully confront and address the issues that women face in our Armed Forces. New standards in transparency and accountability are being set, and we are determined to ensure that inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated at any level.”

The report follows several high-profile cases that have shone a light on harassment in the military. In 2021, 19-year-old gunner Jaysley Beck tragically took her own life after being sexually harassed and assaulted by Warrant Officer Michael Webber, 43, who pinned her down and attempted to kiss her. He was subsequently jailed for sexual assault last month, a case that remains a stark reminder of the human cost of systemic failures in addressing harassment and abuse.

This survey comes one year after a separate Royal Navy investigation revealed that women in the Submarine Service had been subjected to misogyny, bullying, and other forms of unacceptable behaviour. While the report concluded that such behaviour existed among all ranks, it stressed that it was “not pervasive” across the service. Nevertheless, the findings reinforced concerns about the need for consistent cultural change and comprehensive preventative measures across all branches of the military.

Experts and advocacy groups have pointed out that women make up roughly 12 percent of the UK armed forces, meaning they often operate in male-dominated environments where reporting harassment can be intimidating or fraught with career implications. Many female service members have described facing subtle pressures, such as being excluded from social or operational networks, alongside more overt incidents of harassment. These factors combine to create a climate where sexualised behaviour can persist, often going unreported or inadequately addressed.

The Ministry of Defence’s survey also highlighted the spectrum of harassment that women experience, from verbal comments to physical misconduct. Some women reported encountering inappropriate jokes, offensive images, or commentary about their bodies, while others described being leered at or touched in ways that violated their personal space. While some incidents may be dismissed as minor or trivial by perpetrators, the cumulative effect has a profound impact on morale, mental health, and career progression.

In response to the survey, the MoD has emphasised the importance of fostering a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability. This includes implementing clearer reporting channels, providing support services for victims, and promoting awareness at all levels of command. In addition, targeted training programmes are being rolled out to educate recruits and personnel about the importance of consent, recognising inappropriate behaviour, and understanding the consequences of misconduct.

Analysts note that while the survey represents a significant step in quantifying the problem, sustained effort and oversight will be necessary to effect meaningful change. Experts warn that cultural transformation in hierarchical institutions like the armed forces is often slow, requiring continuous reinforcement of standards, robust enforcement, and strong leadership commitment.

For those serving, the survey’s findings may serve as both validation and a call to action. For too long, many women in the military have faced challenges that extend beyond the battlefield, confronting discrimination, harassment, and the emotional toll of operating in unsafe or unsupportive environments. By documenting these experiences, the MoD has provided a foundation for targeted interventions and reforms aimed at creating a safer, more equitable workplace for all service members.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Defence survey underscores the stark reality that sexualised behaviour remains a pervasive challenge for women in the UK armed forces. With two-thirds of full-time female personnel affected, and nearly all recognising such behaviour as harassment, the findings illuminate the urgent need for structural, cultural, and educational reforms. The armed forces have committed to confronting the issue head-on, setting higher standards for transparency, accountability, and preventative action. While the road to change may be long, the survey represents a crucial step in ensuring that service members can operate in an environment defined by respect, equality, and safety.

The report also serves as a reminder of the broader societal responsibility to support those who serve, ensuring that the armed forces reflect the values of the country they defend. For many, this means recognising the prevalence of harassment, holding perpetrators accountable, and empowering victims to speak out without fear of retaliation. As the MoD moves forward with its prevention programme, the hope is that future surveys will show meaningful reductions in incidents and a culture that truly values the safety and dignity of all personnel.