Gavin Hughes
Partner, Military Claims Solicitor
English
If you've experienced bullying or harassment whilst serving in the British Armed Force, our Military Solicitors are here to help you secure the support and compensation you deserve.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has a duty of care towards those serving in the military but bullying and harassment remain alarmingly common within the British Armed Forces.
Unfortunately, the processes in place for dealing with bullying and harassment in the Armed Forces often fail to bring justice for the people who’ve spoken up. A recent report found that 90% of Armed Forces personnel subjected to harassment or bullying did not make a complaint, fearing inaction or negative impacts on their careers.
At Simpson Millar, our experienced military claims lawyers are well-versed in handling sensitive cases and are committed to ensuring your voice is heard. We offer free, initial consultations and can take on your case on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Bullying in the military is any behaviour by one or more individuals that is intended to cause harm or distress to a service member. This can include:
Bullying can happen in various settings within the military, whether during training, on base, or while deployed and can be carried out by anyone, irrespective of position or rank.
You have the right to protection from harassment in all settings, including while serving in the military. There are two relevant legal frameworks: the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Equality Act 2010, that hold perpetrators accountable and protect individuals from harm.
Under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, engaging in behaviour that amounts to harassment is recognised as a criminal offence and includes:
This Act covers a range of behaviours, including stalking, persistent bullying, or threatening conduct, whether it's verbal, physical, or even indirect—such as harassing phone calls, emails, or online activity.
Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment is further defined as unwanted behaviour intended to violate your dignity or create an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
It can include unwelcome or uninvited conduct relating to protected characteristics, specific aspects of a person’s identity, such as:
Harassment can take many forms, including verbal abuse, written communications, physical actions, sexual harassment, or online behaviour.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has a legal and moral obligation to protect service men and women from bullying and harassment in the workplace. This duty of care includes:
Clear Policies and Training
The MOD must have clear policies against bullying and harassment and provide regular training to all service members to ensure they understand these policies.
Reporting Mechanisms
Service members should have access to confidential and effective channels to report bullying and harassment without fear of retaliation.
Investigations and Disciplinary Action
The MOD is responsible for thoroughly investigating any reports of bullying or harassment and taking appropriate disciplinary action.
Support Systems
Providing support to victims, such as counselling services and medical care, to assist their recovery and allow them to continue their military careers.
The experience of being bullied or harassed is different for everyone but recognising common signs can help you spot potential issues and address them. Things to look out for include:
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, it’s important to seek help and take steps to address the bullying or harassment.
We're rated‘Excellent’The impact of bullying and harassment on military personnel can be profound. But sadly, we know cases are still common within the British Armed Forces. The effects can include:
Mental Health Issues
Victims of bullying in the military can develop anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions.
Physical Health Problems
Stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure, ulcers, or chronic pain can develop, especially in cases of prolonged bullying.
Career Consequences
The stress of bullying or harassment can lead to a series of escalating events beginning with poor performance due to impact of bullying, disciplinary actions, and even sometimes resulting in premature discharge from the military.
Relationship Strain
The emotional toll of persistent bullying and harassment can put a strain on personal relationships, leading to isolation or conflicts with colleagues and loved ones.
Loss of Confidence
A victim’s self-esteem and confidence can be severely damaged, impacting their ability to perform their duties and advance in their career.
Bullying or harassment in the military is not acceptable under any circumstances. If you have been targeted, and not supported or protected by the MOD, our Military Claims Lawyers can help you to seek the financial compensation you deserve.
We know that concerns about proving what you’ve experienced can sometimes be a barrier to speaking up, that’s why our dedicated lawyers will help you establish the facts and gather strong evidence to support your case.
This can include:
Having comprehensive and well-documented evidence will significantly increase the likelihood of a successful claim. Simpson Millar’s trusted legal team bring vast experience in handling military bullying and harassment claims, helping to relieve the burden from you.
Armed Forces bullying and harassment is a complex area of military law with several ways to file a complaint or pursue a claim.
In the UK, the time limit for making a military bullying or harassment claim varies depending on the type of claim, and ranges from three months to six years.
It’s crucial to seek legal advice to establish the right approach for you and your case, and ensure your claim is filed within the right time frame.
For a free, initial expert claims assessment, contact our military solicitors.
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Making a claim for military bullying and harassment typically involves several key steps:
We know it’s not easy to take on the MOD when you’ve been bullied or harassed. Our experienced and compassionate team are here to handle all aspects of your case with the utmost sensitivity to help reduce the emotional toll.
Yes, we offer No Win, No Fee personal injury claims for military bullying and harassment claims. This means you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you.
Payouts for military bullying and harassment claims vary depending on a several factors, including:
We're rated‘Excellent’If you are a victim of bullying or harassment in the military, it’s important to know that you are not alone. There is support available to help you:
MOD Welfare Services
The MOD provides welfare services that offer confidential support and advice to service members experiencing bullying or harassment.
Charities and Support Groups
Organisations like Combat Stress, SSAFA, and the Royal British Legion offer support to military personnel and veterans dealing with mental health issues and other challenges related to bullying and harassment.
These valuable resources can offer you a network of support to help you process your experiences and continue your recovery.
With extensive experience in handling military bullying and harassment claims, we know what it takes to achieve the outcome you deserve.
Our military lawyers understand that when you’re ready to speak up you need expert legal advice delivered quickly and clearly. That’s why right from the start we’ll set out your options, so you know what the next steps are.
If we take on your case, we will work on a No Win, No Fee basis meaning you won’t have to pay any legal fees upfront and won’t pay anything if your case is unsuccessful.
If you suspect bullying or harassment, it is important to document your experiences and report them through the appropriate military channels. Seeking specialist military legal advice early can also help protect your rights and strengthen your case.
The duration of a claim can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the MOD contests the claim. While some cases are resolved within months, others may take longer, especially if they proceed to court.
Yes, you can still make a claim if the bullying or harassment occurred while you were stationed overseas. The MOD’s duty of care extends to all service members, regardless of their location.
Strong evidence is crucial to a successful claim. This can include witness statements, medical records, personal diaries, emails, and formal complaints. However, we know that there can be barriers to gathering evidence, especially when others are reluctant to become involved.
That’s why we examine many different kinds of evidence, including patterns that suggest others have been bullied in a similar way. Our solicitors will guide you through assessing, gathering and organising this evidence.
Making a claim should not impact your military career. However, we understand the concerns you may have about your future in the Armed Forces, and our team will provide guidance on how to navigate this important issue.
Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of the harm, impact on your career and personal life, medical expenses, and other factors. We will work diligently to secure the maximum compensation possible for your case.
With our No Win No Fee arrangement, you won’t pay any upfront legal fees, but you'll need to cover additional costs, such as court or expert report fees, known as Disbursements. These can be covered by After the Event Insurance.
You'll sign a Conditional Fee Agreement or a Damages Based Agreement, which means you won’t pay legal costs if you lose. If you win, the other side will cover part of the costs, but you may need to pay a capped percentage from your damages.
Your case handler will discuss this with you in detail and be able to answer any questions.
Our solicitors have years of experience and a deep understanding of military law. We have a track record of successfully handled bullying and harassment claims for military personnel.
Although there are time limits for submitting military bullying claims, there are exceptions, and we understand that it can take time to feel ready to talk about your experiences.
If the bullying occurred several years ago, it’s vital you get legal advice as soon as possible to determine if you are still eligible to claim.
Yes, in some cases, family members may be able to claim on behalf of a deceased service member if the bullying or harassment contributed to their death.
If your claim is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision. Our team can review the details of your case and advise on the best course of action.
You can speak to one of our team today by calling us today on 0808 239 0244 or request a free callback.
We’re ready to assist you with a free, initial consultation and begin guiding you through the process.
Every member of the Armed Forces has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. If the MOD have failed to support you with, or protect you against, military bullying and harassment, our trusted team are here to help you.
If you have any questions or are ready to find out more about your options, contact Simpson Millar today.
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