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PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Armed Forces: Crimes of Violence (2 January 2015)

Question Asked

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the reporting protocols are for allegations of (a) rape, (b) sexual assault and (c) domestic violence in the armed forces.

Asked by:
Karl Turner (Labour)

Answer

The Ministry of Defence takes any allegation of rape, sexual assault or domestic violence seriously. Allegations of rape, sexual assault or domestic violence in the Armed Forces can be reported to either the Service or the civilian Police Forces.

If a Commanding Officer 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 offences under Section 1 and 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (rape and assault by penetration)), he must as soon as reasonably practicable ensure that the Service Police are made aware of the matter.

If the 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 ensure that, as soon as practicable, the Service Police are aware of the matter.


Answered by:
Anna Soubry (The Independent Group for Change)
12 January 2015

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