Women in UK armed forces face ‘hostile environment’ if they report bullying

4 Mar 2021

Army veteran Diane Allen tells MPs that women are coerced to withdraw harassment complaints.

“I think it’s a very large problem in the current service, and I do believe women are being coerced to withdraw stories, to change their evidence and to generally be almost gaslighted to withdraw a story and not take it forward,” said Allen, who now represents dozens of female personnel and veterans.

The 30-year veteran said life in the military could be “very good, and it’s a wonderful place to work.” But she added that military service could become “a very hostile environment for those who do find themselves in a vulnerable position”.