The Ministry of Defence (MOD) publishes annual Official Statistics into Murder, Manslaughter and Sexual Offending in the Service Justice System. Based on the latest Official Statistic data (https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/murder-manslaughter-sexual-offences-and-domestic-abuse-in-the-service-justice-system-2024), between 2022 and 2024 the Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC) conducted 429 investigations into sexual assaults (s2 and s3, Sexual Offences Act 2003). Additionally, 65 sexual assault investigations were transferred to Civilian Police Forces for investigation or formed part of their enquiries, or were re-categorised following investigation and no longer fell under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Data for 2025 is not included as this will be published on 26 March 2026.

Similar to the position in the published statistics from the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales, there is no central data set that tracks each investigation from initial report of an offence through to outcome. Therefore, it is not possible to calculate from our centrally held data how many initial reports of a sexual assault led to charges or a trial.

From 2022 to 2024 there were 201 cases directed with charges for sexual assault by the Service Prosecuting Authority. This data is different to the Official Statistics data as it includes all cases with charges made each year, whereas the Official Statistics only report the outcomes from the referrals received each year.

From Official Statistics data, since 2022 there have been 68 defendants convicted of sexual assault offences. Where a defendant has been tried for charges across multiple offence categories, it will result in the defendant being recorded more than once. Some cases that have been directed for Court Martial may still be ongoing.

We are confident that a greater proportion of incidents got to trial in the Service Justice System for a number of reasons, including the rate that victims withdraw from investigations and prosecutions. Noting that there are procedural differences between the two systems, administrative data suggests 59% of victims of adult rape-flagged offences withdrew from investigations in 2024 in the Criminal Justice System compared to 24% of rape offences in the Service Justice System. During prosecutions, 19% withdrew in the Criminal Justice System compared to almost none in the Service Justice System.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) has 15 Victim Liaison Officer positions. The assessment of VWCU’s standard and quality of service has to date been based on internal assurance, reviews and proactively acting upon feedback surveys from both clients (victims/witnesses) and professional stakeholders.

When His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services undertake their assessment of the Defence Serious Crime Command, the VWCU will welcome their review of the victim service that is being provided. Furthermore, the VWCU have welcomed and generated open and transparent visits with key stakeholders.

The Defence Serious Crime Command became operational on 5 December 2022 and since its inception has been independent of the single Service Chains of Command to protect its operational investigative independence. Under Clause 12 of the Armed Forces Bill 2026 we are introducing a Service Policing Protocol which will formally set out expectations, obligations and roles of all parties in respect of the investigation of criminal offences within Defence in a way that has not previously been articulated. It will improve clarity for everyone in Defence who interact with all Service Police and helps build confidence and transparency as the Service Justice System continues to modernise.

This will also give Service Policing a level of equivalence with civilian practice and will accompany the expansion of a policing governance structure within Defence. A protocol loosely modelled on the civilian equivalent (as issued under s79 of the Police Reform and Social responsibility Act 2011) is appropriate and an effective method of achieving the aim.

Currently under s113 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 (AFA 06), Commanding Officers have a duty to report any suspected Schedule 2 offences (this includes sexual assault) to the Service Police. Clause 17 of the Armed Forces Bill 2026 expands the current duty on Commanding Officers under s113 of AFA 06, to also include persons not within their own Chain of Command.

Assurance for the effective and efficient operation of the Service Justice System is provided by the Service Justice Board, chaired by the Minister for Veterans and People and includes representatives from outside the Service Justice System, such as the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales and also non-executive directors. It provides challenge and scrutiny in respect of strategic performance data, including that related to the independent Defence Serious Crime Command and Unit.

Elements of the Service Justice System are also subject to inspection by independent inspectorates. For example, in November 2024 an HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate report on the Service Prosecuting Authority commented positively on the support provided to victims in the Service Justice System and the handling of sexual offences. Later this year, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) will conduct an inspection of the Defence Serious Crime Command and Unit.

The Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) was established on 5 December 2022; official statistics for 2023 will be published in March 2024. Statistics specifically in respect of sexual assault, rape, murder and manslaughter investigated by the DSCU can be found within the Official Statistics on Murder, Manslaughter, Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse in the Service Justice System 2022: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/murder-manslaughter-sexual-offences-and-domestic-abuse-in-the-service-justice-system-2022.

The Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) was established on 5 December 2022; official statistics for 2023 will be published in March 2024. Statistics specifically in respect of sexual assault, rape, murder and manslaughter investigated by the DSCU can be found within the Official Statistics on Murder, Manslaughter, Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse in the Service Justice System 2022: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/murder-manslaughter-sexual-offences-and-domestic-abuse-in-the-service-justice-system-2022.

The Ministry of Defence will continue to fund the Defence Serious Crime Command’s Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) from April 2024.

The VWCU provides a single point of contact to victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by persons subject to Service law in the UK and overseas. The VWCU is independent of the Chain of Command and provides holistic care and support to victims and witnesses, ensuring that each victim is afforded their rights in accordance with the code of practice for victims of crime.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU), part of the Defence Serious Crime Command (DSCC), will support the needs of victims and witnesses. Funding has been secured for the establishment of the VWCU and it is expected to be operational in March 2023. The VWCU will ensure access to independent welfare support based on individual needs. It will provide victims and witnesses with direct guidance and support on how the Service Justice System works and services available, ensuring they are well informed throughout the process.

The cost to establish the Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU) is £0.9 million. The annual cost of the VWCU is £0.5 million. The VWCU will report to the Chief of Staff of the DSCC and will include 12 full-time members of staff. Much of the day-to-day operating costs will be captured under the DSCC budget and will take some time to understand fully.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU), part of the Defence Serious Crime Command, will focus on supporting the needs of victims and witnesses. Funding has been secured for the establishment of the VWCU and it is expected to be operational in March 2023. The VWCU will ensure access to independent welfare support based on individual needs. It will provide victims and witnesses with direct guidance and support on how the Service Justice System works and services available, ensuring they are well informed throughout the process.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU), part of the Defence Serious Crime Command, will focus on supporting the needs of victims and witnesses. Funding has been secured for the establishment of the VWCU and it is expected to be operational in March 2023. The VWCU will ensure access to independent welfare support based on individual needs. It will provide victims and witnesses with direct guidance and support on how the Service Justice System works and services available, ensuring they are well informed throughout the process.

The Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU), part of the Defence Serious Crime Command, will focus on supporting the needs of victims and witnesses. Funding has been secured for the establishment of the VWCU and it is expected to be operational in March 2023. The VWCU will ensure access to independent welfare support based on individual needs. It will provide victims and witnesses with direct guidance and support on how the Service Justice System works and services available, ensuring they are well informed throughout the process.