Charity claims Sandhurst is plagued by 'toxic' culture of sexual assault

A charity has alleged that Sandhurst is plagued by a "toxic" culture of sexual assault.

Army chiefs and the Ministry of Defence are being urged by Salute Her UK to confront predatory behaviour at the Royal Military Academy.

Salute Her UK, which represents female military personnel who have experienced sexual abuse, claims many women who have approached the organisation, having served at Sandhurst, said they felt the academy was like entering "the lion's den where there's just no escape".

Head of the charity Paula Edwards told Forces News that women who have approached the organisation have felt "the culture is quite toxic, challenging, isolating".

"Women feel under threat, so a lot of the women who access Salute Her UK say that they don't feel safe".

"For the women who access Salute Her UK, it's a really frightening experience for many of them."

Officers have already promised to improve Sandhurst's culture.

An MOD spokesman told Forces News: "Young recruits deserve to be treated with respect, not taken advantage of.

"That is why the Armed Forces has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual assault and any allegations reported will be investigated, with immediate action taken.

"The new independent Serious Crime Unit, set up to investigate serious crimes across our tri-services, independent of the chain of command, will ensure anyone found guilty will face the full weight of the law and immediate dismissal.

"The Defence Secretary is bidding for new legislation that would make it a formal offence in military law.

"Those found guilty of sexual relationships with new recruits will potentially face court marshal and a custodial sentence."