The new Armed Forces Bill introduces strengthened protections for military personnel and civilians who experience sexual assault, domestic abuse, or stalking by serving members of the Armed Forces. The legislation, currently under its Second Reading in Parliament, aims to improve victim safety and support within the Service Justice System.
Key measures include new protective orders that allow faster action against perpetrators, reducing the risk of further harm. Victims will also receive stronger guidance to make informed choices about whether their case should proceed in civilian courts or through the military justice system.
The Bill enhances the powers of Service police, including authorizing pre-charge custody, which was previously restricted to commanding officers. This change is intended to reduce investigation delays, preserve evidence, and prevent further harm to victims, witnesses, or suspects.
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, highlighted the importance of the reforms, stating that they ensure perpetrators of sexual violence face accountability while providing victims with the support they need. She emphasized that criminal behaviour has no place in the Armed Forces and that the Government remains committed to halving violence against women and girls within a decade.
The reforms build on existing victim-centered initiatives, including a prevention programme launched in November 2025 targeting unacceptable sexual behaviour and harassment. New prevention teams operating in North Yorkshire and Plymouth deliver training interventions addressing cultural and behavioural root causes of misconduct.
These measures also complement the work of the Victim Witness Care Unit (VCWU), established in 2023, which provides independent, trauma-informed support to victims and witnesses of serious crimes. The Service Justice System has shown faster outcomes for adult rape-flagged investigations, with 2024 figures indicating an average resolution time of 148 days compared to 338 days in the civilian system, and lower victim withdrawal rates. Conviction rates in the Court Martial have also outperformed civilian courts, demonstrating that the system effectively supports victims while delivering timely justice.
The Bill forms part of broader Armed Forces reforms, including the creation of a Defence Housing Service, extending the Armed Forces Covenant across government, and implementing new powers to deter, detect, and address drone incursions over military sites.
