Unique, person-centred insight into the lived experiences of women veterans

Salute Her UK believe that the best people to talk to about service development and improvement are those with 'lived experience. The term 'lived experience' is used by many in a variety of settings from academia and research, to the planning and delivery of health and social care.

In the mental health field consultation with survivors and activists helps us to better understand the systemic, cultural and individual challenges faced by those hidden and/or invisible populations.

Our research has given us a unique, person-centred insight into the lived experience of women veterans, before, during and after service. We will actively and meaningfully involve women with lived experiences in everything we do so that the marginalised are included and the silent are given a voice.

This ethnographic study (PDFs below) illustrate the lived experience of women veterans. It gives women veterans a voice by which they can share their experiences, whilst generating a meaningful discussion around service improvement. It also recommends the implementation of practical solutions to improve health and social care support after military service, system change within the military and a rigorous review of current practice in response to complaints and investigations.

No Man’s Land

This ‘grass roots’ research project aims to raise the profile and celebrate the contribution of women in the Armed Forces, past and present. In 2016, the then Prime Minister David Cameron confirmed that women would now be able to serve in close combat roles in operational tours across the globe. Women serving in the British Army are now able to transfer into infantry roles. They have, however, served alongside their male counterparts in a vast array of occupations since World War Two and more recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Exit Wounds Report

It wasn’t that long ago when serving members of the LGBT+ community could be dismissed from all branches of the UK Armed Forces on the basis of their sexuality. Prior to 2000, if members of the UK military were found to be lesbian, gay or bi-sexual they could face court martial, be expelled from the military losing medals, pension rights and/or face incarceration, and to add insult to injury, a criminal record. At the very least they would face prejudice, discrimination, homophobic abuse, humiliation and for some, physical violence and sexual assault.

Bizarrely there are no exact figures, but it is estimated that thousands were dismissed from the UK military on account of their sexuality. Figures are masked because many were medically discharged, as ‘homosexuality’ was at that time, classed as a mental health disorder until that definition was repealed by the World Health Organisation in 1990.

For those individuals discharged from the UK armed forces because of their sexuality, the trauma is both enduring and hurtful, for others their lives have been traumatically defined by the additional experience of being physically and sexually assaulted and in some cases raped, by colleagues in a twisted, barbaric and brutal attempt to change their sexual orientation. Those traumatised by such experiences struggle to come to terms with these events and experience shame, guilt and the destruction of their sense of self, which in turn destroys their loyalty and affiliation with an institution that has both abused and betrayed their trust.

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Forgotten Women Veterans (in the CJS)

Labour Friends of the Forces thanks Forward Assist and Salute Her UK for producing the Forgotten Women Veterans report, and Community for funding it. We also thank all the women veterans who gave their time to share their experiences with the research team at Salute Her UK; your contributions will help improve the lives of other women veterans across the UK. Conducting the research and analysis that went into this report has highlighted a shortage of existing UK specific research into the experiences of women veterans, particularly when compared to the research picture in North America. This is a gap we hope future projects will address. Notwithstanding these gaps, this report contains useful and important lessons for, among others, UK and devolved administrations, police forces and the criminal justice system. We hope it is widely read.

– Toby Dickinson, Co-Chair Labour Friends of the Forces

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No Man’s Land 2

The overall aim of this study was to present further evidence in support of the lived experience and hidden narratives of female serving personnel and women veterans since the publication of No Man’s Land in 2019. This report provides serving women and veterans with a platform to have their collective voice heard as well as share their experiences. The report recommends the implementation of practical solutions to improve health and social care support for victims/survivors of Military Sexual Assault and associated trauma.

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LGBTQ+ Veterans Report

It wasn’t that long ago when serving members of the LGBT+ community could be dismissed from all branches of the UK Armed Forces on the basis of their sexuality. Approximately 250 members of Her Majesty’s Armed forces were thrown out each year because of their sexuality, and frequently had their service medals withdrawn and pension rights rescinded. In some cases, medals were physically ripped from a service person’s uniform after a conviction at Court court-martial. Those found guilty of identifying as being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender sometimes went on to serve a prison term, typically several months long.

Soldiers often faced prolonged exposure to prejudice, discrimination, homophobic abuse, humiliation and for some, physical violence and sexual assault. To combat retaliation, soldiers often lived a double life, hiding their sexuality out of fear.

There are no accurate statistics to indicate how many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender veterans there are in the UK. However, what we do know from countries like the United States and Canada is that LGBT Veterans are at a disproportionate risk for suicide and other poor health outcomes (Mereish, et al., 2012), due in part to barriers in accessing services and lack of social support. Sexual and gender minority veterans continue to face stigma and discrimination, which can negatively affect their confidence and self-esteem for the rest of their natural lives. Similarly, research in the USA and Canada indicates that LGBTQ+ Veterans are more likely to report poor physical and mental health. Recent data shows minority women veterans have more chronic health conditions and report worse health compared to heterosexual women veterans and non-veterans. They are also more likely to be smokers, engage in excessive drinking, feel sad, isolated and lonely. Additional research in the USA found that LGB women Veterans were at higher risk of military sexual assault and intimate partner violence after service.

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The Dark Shadow Research

It's important to recognise that within the general population suicidal behaviour is a complex phenomenon influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. The Office for National Statistics reported 6069 suicides in 2023, a number which increased by 427 compared to 2022. The overall suicide rate is 11.4 per 100,000 people, but this increases to 17.4 for men and 5.7 per 100,000 females. Males aged 45-49 years were found to have the highest suicide rate at 25.4 per 100,000 people and for females aged 50 to 54 years, it was 9.2 deaths per 100,000. However, it should be noted that there are significant differences regionally. Suicide is a complex social problem that has a devastating impact on people’s lives and long-lasting aftereffects for families and their communities. Effective suicide prevention requires comprehensive strategies that address many factors and provide the right support and services to individuals experiencing difficulties.

In assessing the extent of the problem regarding sexual assault, the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), reports that approximately 1.1 million adults (comprising 798,000 women and 275,000 men) aged 16 years and over were victims of sexual assault (including attempts) in the year ending March 2022 survey. This corresponds to 2.3% of the adult population. Feelings of hopelessness, despair, worthlessness, and loneliness can exacerbate suicidal tendencies. Additionally, unresolved sexual trauma, childhood abuse, or adverse life events may contribute to suicidal thoughts. Socio-economic factors, such as gender, age and family history may also play a role in those more predisposed to mental health conditions, substance misuse and potentially suicidal behaviour. Brain injury can also be a determinant factor, whereby neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal fluctuations, or alterations in brain structure and function, may also influence suicidal tendencies.

There is often a stigma associated with mental health issues and self-injurious behaviours. People may fear talking openly about these topics due to concerns about judgment, discrimination, or social isolation. This fear and stigma can create barriers for the individual and make it increasingly difficult to seek help. Often sufferers and their family members do not fully understand the complexities within their own mental health and the factors that may contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviours. The lack of understanding can lead to judgmental attitudes, apathy, or dismissive responses, making it harder for individuals to get the help they need especially when in crisis.

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The Dark Shadow Research Executive Summary

This research report was funded in March 2023 by the Office for Veterans' Affairs as part of an independent research initiative. The views, findings, and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not reflect the policies or positions of the UK Government. Forward Assist and Salute Her UK support veterans with lived experience of sexual assault and associated trauma. This report presents the findings of our research study carried out between March 2023 and March 2024.

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