"The number of people who have contacted us highlights the seriousness of the abuse being reported, my team and I are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness. We would like to speak to anyone who may have information which can inform our investigation. We recognise how difficult it can be to come forward with experiences like these, particularly when they occurred many years ago."
"Wiltshire police, which is leading the investigation, said it had received reports from serving and former military personnel, as well as people who did not join the armed forces following enlistment medical examinations. It said: Reports received to date relate to incidents between the 1970s up to 2016, at different locations across the UK. Our inquiry will assess any relevant report, whenever it may have occurred."
"The scope of our inquiry has widened to include anyone who has information about concerning behaviour at military medical examinations including civilians, or those serving in any branch of the armed forces. You do not need to be sure whether your experience falls within the scope of this investigation. Our team will assess any report and ensure it is handled appropriately. Any reports will be treated with the utmost sensitivity; our officers will listen and support you."
More than 500 people have contacted police about alleged sexual abuse during armed services enlistment medical examinations occurring between the 1970s and 2016. The investigation, led by Wiltshire police, covers incidents at multiple UK locations and has been expanded beyond the Army to include the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Reports come from serving and former military personnel as well as individuals who did not join the armed forces after enlistment medicals. Investigators say they will assess any relevant report regardless of when it occurred and will treat reports with sensitivity while engaging survivors, witnesses and anyone with information.
#military-sexual-abuse #enlistment-medicals #wiltshire-police-investigation #army-royal-navy-royal-air-force
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]