Military still risks failing victims, review finds
A leaked internal Ministry of Defence report reveals that the Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) continues to struggle with systemic failings in investigating serious crimes like sexual assault. The review suggests the unit would be graded as inadequate if held to civilian policing standards.
Why it matters
The report underscores ongoing challenges in military accountability and the protection of personnel from abuse within the chain of command.
Image source, Family photo By Jonathan Beale Defence correspondent Published 14 minutes ago A leaked internal Ministry of Defence (MoD) report, obtained by the BBC, has highlighted serious failings in a new military command set up to investigate the most severe crimes, including rape and sexual assault.
The Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) was launched after the death of 19-year-old Gunner Jaysley Beck. An inquest later found the Army's mishandling of sexual assault and harassment complaints made by Beck contributed to her taking her own life, and exposed "systemic failings".
However, an internal review has highlighted continued concerns with the unit and warned the military still risks failing victims.
The MoD said the review's findings had been accepted and significant work has been undertaken since.
The DSCC was created in 2022 to investigate serious crimes independently, outside the military's chain of command.
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