Legal Opinion: Sexual Offences
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure that the new Independent Legal Advocacy service launching in 2026 provides impartial, accessible, and comprehensive legal advice to survivors of sexual assault in the Service Justice System.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones
The Independent Legal Advocacy pilot will provide impartial legal support to anyone aged 18 or over, irrespective of whether they are Service personnel or civilians. Anyone who reports a sexual offence pursuant with the Sexual Offences Act 1956/2003, that has been committed by a Service person subject to Service Law or a civilian subject to Service Discipline that is being investigated by the Service Justice System, will qualify for support from Spring 2026. It fills a longstanding gap by giving complainants clear procedural legal information to help them understand and navigate a complex system. The pilot will be delivered entirely by external specialist solicitors, fully independent of the Defence Chain of Command. The service will be free, with advice delivered virtually to ensure maximum accessibility across Defence, including overseas.
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