Bangladesh, June 1 -- Over the past ten years, the UK Armed Forces have paid out close to £20 million to victims of sexual misconduct and harassment, according to new figures obtained through Freedom of Information requests. The data, analyzed by openDemocracy, reveals that between 2014 and 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) spent nearly £12 million on compensation and an additional £8.4 million covering legal costs for survivors.

The cases span a range of offenses, from inappropriate comments and unwelcome advances to sexual assaults, indecent exposure, and rape. In some instances, victims received compensation through employment tribunals while simultaneously pursuing criminal charges.

Sarah Atherton, a former Conserva...