A new project has been launched to tackle sexual harassment and abuse of Servicewomen.
SSAFA’s Safe to Serve will offer confidential advice, practical and emotional support, and advocacy to victims past and present.
It will be available nationwide and to women of all ranks from all Services, regulars or reserves.
Director of Social Care Operations Lynne Doherty said: “As seen in the media, recent reports have highlighted the challenges some women in the Armed Forces continue to face.
“SSAFA’s Safe to Serve project will ensure those women are believed, supported, and protected. Through accessible support – via phone, webchat or WhatsApp – and a ‘no-wrong-door’ approach to referrals, we’ll reach more women in need.”
She added: “By amplifying their voices and using anonymous insights to influence policy, we’re helping to create safer, fairer environments for women serving in the Armed Forces.”
The two-year scheme is funded with a £100,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust as part of the Servicewomen: Seen and Heard programme. This is providing a total of £650,000 funding for projects targeting the specific needs of women in the UK military.
Safe to Serve offers women help in the form of one-to-one advice, practical and emotional support or advocacy and dedicated social worker support from its network of trained volunteers and professional multi-disciplinary staff.
To seek help or find out more:
- Speak directly to an advisor by calling +44 800 260 6722
- Message via WhatsApp securely on +44 203 807 4400
- Access webchat or send a message by visiting SSAFA
- Email: SafeToServe@ssafa-fhs.org.uk