North Yorkshire Police are investigating disturbing allegations of rape and sexual abuse involving female cadets at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Four women have reportedly come forward detailing experiences of sexual assault and abuse by other soldiers at the college within the past five years, when they were all 17 years old.
One accuser, identified as Tilly, told the BBC that her aspiration to become a soldier was shattered after she was raped by multiple fellow soldiers. She described the incident as happening after she was invited into a room, leading to non-consensual sexual acts. "There were a lot of them. They touched me in places, made inappropriate comments, calling me a thing rather than a girl," she stated. "And then I was raped... by multiple junior soldiers, same age as me. It went on for hours. I felt like a piece of meat." Tilly left the Army two weeks after the alleged assault.
The women who spoke out described a prevailing culture of misogyny and sexual violence at the college, which provides military training and education to individuals under 19. Another woman reported being trapped in a room and attacked by a fellow soldier, while a third alleged that staff exhibited misogynistic attitudes, including instructors rating female soldiers' appearances.
North Yorkshire Police released a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the reports. "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. Police encouraged anyone who has experienced such offenses to come forward, emphasizing that specialist support is available regardless of when the incidents occurred.
An Army spokesperson commented on the allegations, stating, "Unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces." The spokesperson added that such reports are unacceptable and contrary to the Army's core values, as individuals enlist with the hope of pursuing a fulfilling career.