Operation Pianora: Supporting Victims Following Sexual Abuse Reports in Military Medical Examinations
Wiltshire Police have announced that they are expanding an investigation into sexual abuse during military service to cover the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.
It is worrying that more than 500 people have already reported being sexually abused during military service, but the expansion of the investigation does mean that even more survivors may feel able to speak up and report their experiences.
For more than 15 years, I’ve supported people who have suffered sexual and physical abuse, helping them understand their legal options and access the support they need. Many survivors live with the effects of abuse for decades, often without recognition or help.
Investigations such as Operation Pianora into sexual abuse cases are crucial in bringing these issues to light and I would encourage those affected to seek legal advice and support.
What's happening - One of the UK's largest military sexual abuse investigations
Wiltshire Police launched Operation Pianora after Army recruits alleged they were sexually abused during enlistment medical examinations. Police say they have received reports from serving and former members of the armed forces as well as individuals who did not go on to join the military following their medical examinations
The reported incidents are alleged to have taken place at multiple locations across the UK, spanning from the 1970s up to 2016. While the investigation initially focused on the Army, it has now been widened to include concerns relating to medical examinations within the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
The importance of support for survivors
I currently head Irwin Mitchell’s Abuse practice and have significant experience of bringing medical negligence claims, and abuse within a medical setting. I am also an APIL Senior Litigator, a member of the Association of Child Abuse Lawyers, and regularly act in complex and sensitive abuse claims.
While every case is different, allegations of abuse during medical examinations raise particularly serious concerns. Medical assessments place individuals in inherently vulnerable positions, and there is a clear expectation that they will be conducted professionally and with appropriate safeguards in place.
Where abuse is found to have occurred, it is important that responsibility is examined not only at an individual level, but also at an organisational one, particularly where employers had duties to recruit safely and protect those undergoing examinations.
For many survivors, the impact of abuse does not end when the incident itself ends. Individuals may experience long‑term psychological effects, including anxiety, depression and post‑traumatic stress, which can affect their personal lives, employment and overall wellbeing.
Access to appropriate specialist support is therefore critical in helping survivors come to terms with what has happened and, where possible, move forward.
Civil claims cannot undo the harm caused, but they can provide:
- Funding for specialist therapy and treatment
- Compensation for loss of earnings linked to mental health impacts
- Formal recognition of the harm suffered
Irwin Mitchell has a long and trusted track record of supporting Armed Forces personnel and their families through some of the most challenging claims – from helping those affected by contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, to supporting families seeking answers through military inquests. The firm also helps eligible service personnel and veterans secure compensation through government schemes, including the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the Ministry of Defence LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS).
Experience in abuse claims
Irwin Mitchell has decades of experience representing survivors of abuse, including cases involving historical abuse and claims connected to military service.
Survivors do not have to face these issues alone. Legal advice can help individuals understand their options, the support available to them and the potential routes to accountability.
Find out more about Irwin Mitchell’s work supporting survivors of abuse. Anyone affected who wishes to discuss their situation can contact me on 0121 203 5576 or by email at tom.fletcher@irwinmitchell.com.
