Wiltshire domestic abuse charity offers listening ear to military personnel
It follows a coroner's ruling Army failings played a role in the death of 19-year-old Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck in December 2021
A Wiltshire charity is telling Armed Forces personnel based in the county that it is here for them, if they're suffering abuse or harassment.
It follows the family of teenage soldier Jaysley Beck calling for changes in how the army investigates harassment within the organisation.
A coroner ruled the 19-year-old took her own life at Larkhill Camp in December 2021 after Army officials failed to fully investigate claims of sexual harassment.
FearFree has told Greatest Hits Radio that it recognises the unique environment of the military.
Head of Service, Gemma Vinton, said: "Where we support people that are survivors of domestic abuse, actually, if that's in a military setting we have an independent advocate who will support people impacted by domestic abuse and who understands and recognises some of the specific challenges that might be happening in military families."
Gemma added that everyone that is impacted by domestic abuse will have their own set of unique circumstances, but that military life brings it's own challenges.
"There is absolutely no excuse for abuse, let's get that out there," she said: "But at the same time, we understand that if people have had different experiences, sometimes they might need some support and some help to work through some of their thoughts around that and some of their behaviours that may be less healthy in a relationship."
The charity insists it's here for any service man or woman who is feeling uncomfortable, saying reaching out is the bravest thing to do.
Gemma said they are able to provide an independent perspective, as life in the Forces can become quite isolating if someone is suffering abuse.
"We're independent, but we understand military life, we are outside the military chain of command and therefore we can provide you with that advice and support in an independent way but without necessarily being entrenched within that military community," she told us.
The charity's CEO, Debbie Beadle has told us that changes to how people being abused doesn't just stop with the Army, insisting there needs to be a widespread change across industries.
She described what happened to Gunner Beck was 'horrifying'.
"It's unacceptable that still to day people in a position where they're being abused by those in a position of power.
"Work places need to do more to ensure that those people can come forward when they're feeling vulnerable or then feeling at risk from somebody and that they're believed and supported to be able to tell their story and find help.
"This is this is just an example of the serious consequences when this doesn't happen and we would like to see all workplaces putting measures in place."