Calls for inquiry into Army training college for teenagers after reports of rape and abuse
Summary
There are growing calls for an independent investigation into the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, where teenage recruits have reported rape and sexual abuse. Several women who attended the college said they faced harassment and a culture of sexual violence while they were 17 years old.Key Facts
- Four women told the BBC they were sexually assaulted and harassed at AFC Harrogate.
- The college trains under-19s and receives all Army recruits aged 16 in the UK.
- A 2021 government review found widespread cases of sexual abuse and that the military complaints system was inadequate.
- Between January 2018 and June 2025, there were 176 complaints about inappropriate sexual behavior at AFC.
- North Yorkshire Police recorded 16 reports of sexual offenses linked to the college in one year, including voyeurism and assault.
- MPs and former military personnel are demanding an independent inquiry led by experts in safeguarding children.
- The Army said criminal behavior has no place in the forces and encouraged victims and witnesses to come forward.
- Victims reported ongoing problems such as bullying, physical abuse, and sexual assault over several years.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
