Hundreds come forward as police investigate military medical examinations
Abuse allegations span decades and multiple branches of the armed forces
Last updated 26th Jan 2026
An investigation into allegations of sexual abuse during military medical examinations has received information from over 500 individuals, Wiltshire Police have confirmed.
The inquiry, initiated earlier last year, initially focused on reports of abuse during Army enlistment medical examinations but has now expanded to cover incidents involving the Navy and Air Force as well.
Reports have come from serving and former military personnel as well as individuals who attended enlistment medical examinations but chose not to join the armed forces.
Allegations date back to the 1970s and continue through to 2016, involving multiple locations across the UK, Wiltshire Police said.
Concerns from survivors and witnesses
Speaking about the investigation, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant said his team is committed to engaging with individuals who have come forward.
“The number of people who have contacted us highlights the seriousness of the abuse being reported; my team and I are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness," he said.
“We would like to speak to anyone who may have information which can inform our investigation.
“Our team will review every report carefully and in detail. Due to the volume of information received, it may take a few weeks to make direct contact, but please be assured that every report is being taken seriously.”
Minister urges further reporting
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, called the scale of the reports "deeply disturbing" but praised individuals for their bravery in coming forward.
She said: “I’m committed to rooting out sexual misconduct wherever we find it and fully support Wiltshire Police as it pursues this investigation with the thoroughness it demands.
“Those who serve, or seek to serve, our country deserve to be treated with dignity and respect at every stage. I urge anyone with information to come forward — you will be listened to and supported.”
Anyone wishing to share information with Wiltshire Police or access support can do so via their Public Portal. Support resources for survivors of sexual assault are available online through the Government and organisations such as www.whenyouareready.co.uk.