More than 500 people have contacted police investigating allegations of sexual abuse during military medical examinations, Wiltshire Police have confirmed.
The investigation was launched earlier last year following reports of abuse during Army enlistment medicals and has since been widened to include concerns linked to the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
Police say they have received reports from both serving and former military personnel, as well as from individuals who did not go on to join the armed forces after attending enlistment medical examinations.
The allegations relate to incidents said to have taken place between the 1970s and 2016 at locations across the UK. Wiltshire Police said every report will be assessed, regardless of how long ago the alleged incident occurred.
Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant, the senior investigating officer, said the number of people coming forward underlined the seriousness of the allegations.
“The number of people who have contacted us highlights the seriousness of the abuse being reported,” he said. “My team and I are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness.”
He encouraged anyone with information to come forward, including civilians and those who served in any branch of the armed forces.
“You do not need to be sure whether your experience falls within the scope of this investigation,” he said. “Our team will assess any report and ensure it is handled appropriately. Any reports will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.”
Police warned that due to the volume of information received, it may take several weeks to make direct contact with those who have reported concerns, but stressed that all reports are being taken seriously.
Veterans minister Louise Sandher-Jones MP said the scale of the response was “deeply disturbing”.
“It highlights the courage of those coming forward to share these distressing experiences,” she said. “I want to assure every single person that their voice matters.”
She added that those who serve, or seek to serve, the country “deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at every stage”.
Wiltshire Police said anyone wishing to share information can report directly to the investigation team through its public reporting portal. Support and advice for victims and survivors of sexual assault is also available through national support services.
*Credit Wiltshire Police
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com or contact us here.
