Rome, Aug. 6 (LaPresse) — Four young women have told the BBC that they were subjected to sexual violence and harassment at a military training institute for teenagers. One of them stated that she was raped by several fellow cadets during an assault that lasted for hours. All of the women attended the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, over the past five years and say the incidents occurred when they were 17 years old. The college is characterized by a dangerous culture of misogyny and sexual violence, according to the women, who are all speaking out publicly for the first time. These reports are “extremely distressing and serious,” an Army spokesperson said in a statement. The BBC reported that North Yorkshire Police received 16 reports of sexual offenses linked to the college between June of last year and June of this year. The reported offenses include allegations of indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual assault. No information was provided on whether these cases led to criminal proceedings. According to data from the Ministry of Defense, a total of 176 complaints of sexual misconduct were filed at the academy between January 2018 and June 2025. Thirty-two allegations were directed at career personnel, and 144 at enlisted soldiers. “Unacceptable and criminal behavior has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces,” said the Army spokesperson.
United Kingdom: Rape and Harassment at Military College—Four Girls Speak Out to the BBC
Rome, Aug. 6 (LaPresse) — Four young women have told the BBC that they were subjected to sexual violence and harassment at a military training institute for teenagers. One of them stated that she was raped by several fellow cadets during an assault that lasted for hours. All of the women attended the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, over the past five years and say the incidents occurred when they were 17 years old. The college is characterized by a dangerous culture of misogyny and sexual violence, according to the women, who are all speaking out publicly for the first time. These reports are “extremely distressing and serious,” an Army spokesperson said in a statement. The BBC reported that North Yorkshire Police received 16 reports of sexual offenses linked to the college between June of last year and June of this year. The reported offenses include allegations of indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual assault. No information was provided on whether these cases led to criminal proceedings. According to data from the Ministry of Defense, a total of 176 complaints of sexual misconduct were filed at the academy between January 2018 and June 2025. Thirty-two allegations were directed at career personnel, and 144 at enlisted soldiers. “Unacceptable and criminal behavior has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces,” said the Army spokesperson.