Investigation

Revealed: How British Army denied justice to child abuse victim for 22 years

Growing up on an army base, Jessica was told the military was family. That changed when she reported sexual abuse

By Sian Norris

Revealed: How British Army denied justice to child abuse victim for 22 years — After Jessica was abused while growing up on a British Army base, she was forced to wait more than two decades for justice | Pexels / composition by James Battershill

Published: December 02, 2024, 1:03 pm

In 1985, Jessica* celebrated her seventh birthday in a divided Europe.

Germany, where she lived on an estate for military families bordering a British army base, was divided into east and west, capitalist and communist. The Berlin Wall, which would not fall for another four years, was still splitting a city, country and world into a stalemate that had lasted for decades.

As tensions grew on either side of the Iron Curtain so, too, did the population of the mini-Britain in the Rhineland. Some 58,000 British troops were stationed in Germany in the 1980s, and many had with them wives and children.

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this article, the following organisations can help:

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Confidential support and information to women who have survived any form of sexual violence, no matter how long ago. Also provides immediate support to friends and family on how to support female survivors of sexual violence.

Phone: 0808 802 9999 (12–2:30pm & 7–9:30pm daily). Website: Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis Scotland

Confidential support for anyone affected by sexual violence, no matter when or how it happened. They can also put you in touch with local rape crisis centres.

Phone: 0808 801 03 02. Website: Rape Crisis Scotland

Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline – Northern Ireland

Free support, advice and referral for any victim or domestic and sexual abuse in Northern Ireland.

Phone: 0808 802 1414 (24/7). Website: Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline

NHS Sexual Assault Referral Centres

England & Wales: Visit the NHS website

Scotland: Visit the NHS inform website

The Survivors Trust

Support and signposting for women, men and children who are survivors of rape, sexual violence or childhood sexual abuse.

Phone: 0808 801 0818. Website: The Survivors Trust

Survivors UK

Support for men and non-binary survivors of sexual abuse via an online helpline, counselling, Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, plus group and peer support services.

Website: Survivors UK

Samaritans

For anyone struggling to cope and provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.

Phone: 116 123. Email: jo@samaritans.org. Website: Samaritans

Victim Support

Emotional and practical help to victims or witnesses of any crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police.

Phone: 0808 16 89 111 (24/7). Website: Victim Support

Victim Support Scotland

Emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Scotland.

Phone: 0800 160 1985 (Mon-Fri 8am-8pm). Website: Victim Support Scotland

Victim Support NI

Emotional and practical support to all victims and witnesses of crime across Northern Ireland.

Phone: 028 9024 3133. Website: Victim Support NI

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues raised in this article, the following organisations can help:

Childline

A free, 24-hour confidential helpline for children and young people who need to talk.

Phone: 0800 1111 Website: Childline

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline

For women experiencing domestic abuse, their family, friends and others calling on their behalf.

Phone: 0808 2000 247 Website: The 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline

Refuge

Safe, emergency accommodation and emotional and practical support to women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Website: Refuge

Women's Aid

Practical support and information for women experiencing domestic violence via the Survivor's Handbook and local domestic violence services.

Website: Women's Aid

Men's Advice Line

A confidential service for male victims of domestic abuse offering support to help men keep themselves (and their children) safe.

Phone: 0808 801 0327. Website: Men's Advice Line

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence helpline

National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Domestic Violence helpline run by Galop, provides support to LGBT people suffering domestic abuse.

Phone: 0800 999 5428. Website: Galop

Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA)

Free specialist advocacy and peer support to those bereaved by a death following domestic abuse, including homicide, suicide and unexplained deaths.

Website: AADFA

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