PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Armed Forces: Offences against Children (2 January 2015)

This Government is determined to tackle child abuse in whatever form it occurs, including in the Armed Forces. If a Commanding Officer (CO) is made aware of an allegation against a person subject to Service law or a civilian subject to Service discipline, or circumstances contained within the Armed Forces Act 2006, Schedule 2 (which includes the offence under Section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and child sex offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003) he must as soon as reasonably practicable ensure that the Service Police are made aware of the matter.

If an allegation does not fall within Schedule 2, the Commanding Officer is still under a statutory obligation to ensure that the matter is investigated in such a way and to such an extent as is appropriate or to ensure that, as soon as practicable, the Service Police are aware of the matter.

Any individual who is concerned about the safety of a child should contact either the Service or Civilian Police Forces.