Wiltshire Police is appealing for victims to come forward as part of a national investigation into sexual abuse during Army medical exams.
The investigation, which was launched earlier this year, is examining allegations of sexual abuse spanning from the 1970s through to 2016.
The abuse is reported to have taken place during medical enlistment assessments at various Army locations across the UK.
Detectives are now urging anyone who may have experienced criminal, inappropriate or unusual behaviour during their enlistment medical to contact them.
A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We are in contact with individuals who have been affected, and we are working to reach others who may have concerns or information to share.
“We are committed to engaging with each survivor and witness, to ensure we offer appropriate support.”
The force is being supported in its enquiries by the National Police Chief’s Council’s Hydrant Programme, the Defence Serious Crime Command and the Ministry of Defence. Points of contact are also being established with police forces across the UK.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Darren Hannant said: “We know how difficult it can be for people who have experienced sexual assault to come forward.
“Our specially trained officers are here to listen and support those impacted, whilst conducting a thorough and sensitive investigation.
“If you hold any information that you think could help, please get in touch – you will be believed and treated with the utmost sensitivity and respect.
“I encourage you to engage with us so we can build a clear picture of what has happened, when, where and how we can prevent further harm.
“Our enquiries to date have revealed offending spanning several decades at various locations in the UK, indicating different perpetrators.
“One of my priorities is to protect people from further harm and I must focus appropriate attention on that risk.
“We also understand that people may want clarity around the scale of this investigation. At this stage, we are actively following multiple lines of enquiry and reaching out to a large number of people. We are yet to identify suspects – the investigation is in its early stages and further updates will be provided in due course.
“If you would like to contact me or my team, please use the following link to our investigation and we will respond to you as soon as possible.”
Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP added: “I commend the bravery of those who have stepped forward to share these painful and truly appalling experiences.
“I will stand with you every step of the way in your fight for justice and the MOD will give its full backing to Wiltshire Police’s investigation.
“All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so free from abuse, and with the dignity and respect they deserve.
“We are committed to rooting out sexual misconduct wherever we find it and have made this a priority since taking office last July. It is a mission that is deeply personal for me.
“I urge anyone who has more information to contact Wiltshire Police as soon as possible.”
The investigation currently focuses on sexual abuse and misconduct during Army medical examinations at the point of enlistment.
Support and information for victims and survivors is available via the Wiltshire Police website, the Government’s sexual assault support pages and www.whenyouareready.co.uk.
