A culture of sexual assault, sexual harassment and misogyny is widespread and “permitted to thrive” in the submarine service, according to a whistleblower who has triggered a damning investigation by the Royal Navy. Sophie Brook – a former Lieutenant in the submarine service – made a formal complaint about repeated and ongoing sexual assaults which prompted an investigation which started in 2022. So far, the investigation has uncovered 28 separate incidents and has led to the discharge of 21 different individuals.
Ms Brook claimed the investigation report was a “critical moment” in uncovering the systemic assaults and abuse suffered in the submarine service, which involved a number of women in addition to Ms Brook, and which related to a string of incidents dating from 2014 to 2020. Up to now there have been no formal charges of sexual assault arising from the investigation, but of the 21 individuals discharged from duty, three of these related to incidents involving Ms Brook, while four of the individuals were reduced in rank and six are facing disciplinary proceedings or administrative action.
Systemic failures in Royal Navy procedures
Commenting on the report findings, Ms Brook said:
“The report highlights the systemic failures I, and many others, experienced first hand—failures that left victims isolated, silenced, and often retaliated against for daring to speak up.”
Ms Brook claimed she had come forward to “shine a light on a culture that, for too long, has been permitted to thrive within some of the most elite branches of our armed forces.”
In response, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key claimed he was “truly sorry” for Ms Brook and any other individuals past and present who had experienced unacceptable behaviour, and added that he had met and “apologised to her personally and unreservedly.”
Diane Askwith – Partner at Ison Harrison – is currently representing a client involved in the ongoing investigation, and who therefore can’t be named. She received a medical discharge for PTSD after reporting a series of incidents of sexual assault during her service in the Royal Navy, including being groped by a senior member of staff. Speaking about the investigation, Diane said:
“I am deeply saddened to hear about this investigation and the MoD must thoroughly investigate these matters and implement fundamental change, in policies, procedures and recruitment. Women make up just over 10% of the submarine service and not only are these incidents happening too often, but we have also heard that victims are being discouraged from filing complaints of abuse.”
An increase in reports of sexual harassment at work
These fresh reports of sexual abuse come on the back of last year’s TUC report which claimed that three in five women had endured a sexual assault at work, and in February 2024 Sky News reported a “toxic culture” of sexual harassment in the ambulance service. Meanwhile, in the last month many female ex-workers at the Harrods department store have come forward to report alleged incidents of sexual assault involving former owner Mohammad Al Fayed.
At Ison Harrison we are alarmed at the proliferation of theses incidents and would encourage any person who has suffered any form of sexual harassment, abuse or assault to come forward immediately for specialist advice. We can offer emotional wellbeing support as well as advising on how to resolve the issue with an employer and whether you have grounds for making a formal sexual assault claim. So please contact Ison Harrison immediately if this applies to you.
