Loughborough University research underpins first Armed Forces-wide sexual harassment survey

Research
An army uniform with a Union Jack on the sleeve
  • 67% of women in Regular service reported experiencing at least one form of sexualised behaviour in the past 12 months, compared with 34% of men
  • 32% of women said they had been touched in a way that made them feel uncomfortable
  • 21% of women received unsolicited sexual messages, compared with 6% of men
  • 8% of women reported non-consensual sexual activity in the last year, compared with 1% of men
  • Most incidents occurred in military workplaces or accommodation (76%), and around one-fifth occurred while deployed overseas

The UK’s first ever military-wide sexual behaviour and harassment survey, reveals widespread sexualised behaviour across the UK Armed Forces, affecting two-thirds of women and a third of men.

The study, published by the Ministry of Defence (MoD), provides the first comprehensive look into the experiences and perceptions of sexual harassment across the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force (RAF).

Bosses at the MoD said the data will be used to inform prevention programmes, strengthen support for personnel and support the Government’s wider commitment to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

Researchers at Loughborough University’s Business School, Dr Iain Coyne and Dr Sarah Barnard, played a key role in helping the MoD develop the survey through a funded research project completed in 2023.

The team’s work informed the design, relevance and applicability of the questionnaire, ensuring it captured a clear and accurate picture of sexualised behaviours within a military setting.

Their recommendations have helped shape the approach taken in this first-of-its-kind survey and will continue to guide future iterations.

Dr Coyne said: “It is pleasing to see our review impacting the MoD’s approach to understanding the experiences of sexualised behaviours in the Armed Forces.

“The survey provides an essential evidence base for tackling harmful behaviours, and we’re proud that our work has contributed to a tool that can drive meaningful cultural change across Defence.”

Co-author Dr Barnard added: “It is critical that organisations listen to those experiencing sexual harassment to tackle this issue.

“For the MoD, the new survey represents a step-change in that process.”

In response to the statistics, the Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, said the results were “wholly unacceptable” and that new standards of transparency and accountability were being set across the Armed Forces.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Richard Knighton, said the Armed Forces must ensure personnel feel safe to maintain operational effectiveness.

He stressed that training, education and firm leadership are essential to eliminating unacceptable behaviour and protecting the military’s global reputation.

He said: “Our job in the Armed Forces is to be ready to deter, fight and win. To do that our people must feel safe – this is critical to our operational effectiveness.

“The results of the survey show just how much more I, and leaders at every level, need to do to stamp out behaviour which has no place in the UK Armed Forces.”

Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP added: “All those who choose to serve our country must be able to do so with dignity and respect, which is why the survey results are wholly unacceptable.

“We commissioned the UK’s first ever comprehensive military sexual harassment survey, which provides a no holds barred baseline to fully confront and address the root causes of this issue.

“New standards in transparency and accountability are being set across our Armed Forces.

“I’d like to thank Loughborough University for their invaluable contribution underpinning the collection of this vital data.”

ENDS

Notes for editors

Press release reference number: 25/181

Loughborough is one of the country’s leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.
It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2025 QS World University Rankings – the ninth year running.
Loughborough has been ranked seventh in the Complete University Guide 2026 – out of 130 institutions.
This milestone marks a decade in the top ten for Loughborough – a feat shared only by the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, St Andrews, Durham and Imperial.
Loughborough was also named University of the Year for Sport in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 - the fourth time it has been awarded the prestigious title.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally-excellent’. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded eight Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education.
The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.