- New Independent Legal Advocacy scheme will provide free,
independent legal advice to complainants of rape and sexual
offences committed by Service personnel, from Spring 2026
- Specialist solicitors will support victims throughout the
justice process, operating independently of the MOD and the
military Chain of Command
- Initiative is part of range of support Defence is providing
to support victims and part of Government mission to halve
violence against women and girls within a decade
Victim-survivors of sexual offences committed by those serving in
the Armed Forces will receive free, independent legal advice, in
a Defence first, under new plans announced today.
The Independent Legal Advocacy (ILA) support programme pilot will
provide impartial legal support to anyone aged 18 or over,
irrespective of whether they are Service personnel or civilians.
Anyone who reports a sexual offence or rape that has been
committed by someone subject to Service Law will qualify for
support.
Specialist solicitors from outside of the MOD will help
victim-survivors understand their rights, navigate complex legal
processes, and make fully informed decisions - including on data
disclosure and the implications of sharing personal information
such as mobile phone records.
By providing clear and personalised advice to victim-survivors,
the ILA scheme will support individuals to navigate what can
often be a complex and emotionally painful process. The programme
will sit within a comprehensive package of holistic support,
complemented by pastoral care from the Victim Witness Care Unit.
Minister for Veterans and People, MP said:
“We are determined that those who come forward to report rape or
sexual assault get support they need.
"The new Independent Legal Advocacy service will ensure that, for
the first time in Defence, victim-survivors get free, independent
legal advice – completely outside the chain of command – to help
them understand their rights and navigate what can be a daunting
journey to justice.
"This initiative is part of our government's commitment to renew
the nation's contract with those who serve and reflects the
seriousness with which we are taking this issue."
The ILA will support the victim-survivor in the early stages of
their case, including prior to reporting a sexual offence. The
ILA will provide information on jurisdiction matters in the
Service Justice System and Criminal Justice System, including
what to expect if their case is heard through the CJS or SJS, so
the complainant can state an informed preference.
Offering victim-survivors with legal advice before they decide
whether to report helps them understand their options, feel more
in control, and recognises that the decision to report a sexual
offence is complex and emotionally fraught.
The 12-month pilot will run from Spring 2026, with the potential
for extension.
In November, Defence published the first-ever military wide
sexualised behaviours and sexual harassment survey to better
understand the scale of this issue to support informed,
preventative responses, and launched a pioneering programme to
address the cultural and behavioural root causes of unacceptable
sexual behaviour in the Armed Forces.
Measures in the new Armed Forces Bill – which had its second
reading in Parliament on 26th January – will also deliver a
much stronger package of measures to support victims of serious
and sexual offences within the Service Justice System. These
include new protective orders to enable swifter action against
perpetrators and reducing the risk of further harm to victims and
providing Service police with new powers to authorise pre-charge
custody.
