I was raped by captain, TA private tells tribunal
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Territorial Army private was raped and suffered a barrage of sexual insults and abuse during a three-year period of "institutionalised harassment", an industrial tribunal was told yesterday.
The 35-year-old woman from London, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she was raped by a captain who was second in command of her unit. The attack was part of a three-year ordeal she endured as one of the first women recruits in the TA in London, she told the tribunal in central London yesterday. It is the first sexual harassment claim against the part-time Army reserve force.
She claims she was raped, groped, punched, and suffered sexually explicit insults during her period of voluntary service with the TA between 1992 and September 1995.
She also said she was raped on April 23, 1994. "I was waiting for a taxi after leaving an event at the TA. He came up to me and insisted on driving me home. We went to his house." She told the tribunal he insisted on her staying over, giving her the bed while he slept on the sofa. "I woke up in the night with the captain on top of me. I told him to get off and asked him what he thought he was doing. I couldn't get him off. He had intercourse with me. I was so upset and shocked I didn't know what to do."
She told the tribunal she did not contact the police or tell any senior officers within her TA unit. "I didn't think anyone would believe me. I just had to be strong and carry on."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments