Over the past ten years, the UK Armed Forces have paid out close to £20 million to victims of sexual misconduct and harassment, according to new figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests. The data, analyzed by openDemocracy, reveals that between 2014 and 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) spent nearly £12 million on compensation and an additional £8.4 million covering legal costs for survivors.

The cases span a range of offenses, from inappropriate comments and unwelcome advances to sexual assaults, indecent exposure, and rape. In some instances, victims received compensation through employment tribunals while simultaneously pursuing criminal charges.

Sarah Atherton, a former Conservative minister for defence people and veterans, described the figures as “a stark indicator of deep-rooted cultural and structural failings” within the Armed Forces. She attributed much of the payout burden to a persistent culture of discrimination and misogyny, urging the military to take these issues seriously. “If the military genuinely addressed these problems, this money could be used to build a safer, more inclusive workforce, helping recruitment and retention,” she said.

A Decade of Payouts

The investigation shows that a total of £19.9 million was distributed across 181 cases where compensation was awarded. Another 50 claims were filed but did not result in payments. On average, each successful case cost the MoD more than £86,000, not including their own internal legal expenditures.

Broken down by branch, the British Army and Royal Air........

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