Analysis

Jaysley Beck is not alone. We’ve found systemic sexual abuse in UK military

For over a year, openDemocracy has worked to reveal how military enables abuse then closes ranks around perpetrators

By Sian Norris and Ethan Shone

Jaysley Beck is not alone. We’ve found systemic sexual abuse in UK military — openDemocracy has spent the past year investigating the extent of sexual abuse in the British military | James Battershill for openDemocracy

Published: February 27, 2025, 11:07 am

Content warning: This article contains discussion of suicide and sexual violence.

The details that emerged from Jaysley Beck’s inquest last week were truly horrifying. But for our journalists, who have spent much of the past year investigating the extent of sexual abuse in the British military, they were sadly not surprising.

Nineteen-year-old Beck took her own life in her room at Larkhill Barracks on 15 December 2021. A coroner has now ruled that the army’s handling of her complaint about a serious sexual assault played “more than a minimal contributory part in her death”.

Among the disturbing findings we have made in the past year was the fact that a quarter of cases heard in the military courts since 2018 related to sexual offences, with 77% of men tried for rape in court martials found not guilty – compared to around 30% in civilian courts.

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 are feeling emotionally distressed, the following organisations offer advice and support.

Samaritans

Available for anyone struggling to cope. They provide a safe place to talk 24 hours a day.

Phone: 116 123. Website: Samaritans

Shout

A 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone struggling to cope and in need of immediate help.

Text SHOUT to 85258. Website: Shout

Papyrus

Support, practical advice and information to young people considering suicide and can also offer help and advice if you're concerned about someone you know.

Phone: 0800 068 41 41. Website: Papyrus

Lifeline

Support to people suffering distress or despair in Northern Ireland, regardless of age or district.

Phone: 0808 808 8000 (24 hours a day). Website: Lifeline

Community Advice & Listening Line

Emotional support and information on mental health and related matters to people in Wales.

Phone: 0800 132 737 (24/7) or text "help" to 81066. Website: Community Advice & Listening Line

Breathing Space

Confidential phone and web based service for people in Scotland experiencing low mood, depression or anxiety.

Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, weekends 24 hours). A BSL service is also available via the website: Breathing Space

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Exists to meet the needs and break the isolation of those bereaved by the suicide of a close relative or friend.

Website: Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide

Nightlines

Confidential, anonymous, non-judgemental support services run by students for students.

Website: Nightlines

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