North Yorkshire Police are investigating multiple allegations of rape and sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College, a training facility for individuals under 19. Four former female cadets have reported being assaulted by other soldiers at the college within the last five years, all of whom were 17 years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
The allegations, brought to light by the BBC, describe a culture of misogyny and sexual violence at the college. One former cadet, identified as Tilly, stated that she was raped by multiple junior soldiers of the same age. She recounted an experience where she was invited into a room by fellow soldiers and subsequently subjected to unwanted sexual contact and comments.
Another woman reported being trapped in a room by a fellow soldier who then attacked her without her consent. A third alleged that instructors at the college exhibited misogynistic behavior, including rating female soldiers' appearances.
"Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces," an Army spokesperson stated. "People join in the hope of having a fantastic career and any such reports are unacceptable and go completely against everything the Army stands for."
North Yorkshire Police issued a statement confirming the investigation. "Reports of sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate are deeply disturbing, and North Yorkshire Police continues to sensitively support the young victims and their families while doing all we can to bring perpetrators to justice," the statement read. The police are encouraging any victims to come forward and seek specialist support, regardless of when the offenses occurred.