The UK government has announced a new Independent Legal Advocacy (ILA) scheme that will for the first time provide free, independent legal advice to victims of sexual offences allegedly committed by military personnel. The initiative, a pilot due to begin in Spring 2026, marks a significant change in the support available to complainants navigating justice processes.
Under the ILA support programme, anyone aged 18 or over who reports rape or another sexual offence perpetrated by a serving member of the Armed Forces will be eligible for support, regardless of whether the complainant is a service member or a civilian. Specialist solicitors from outside the Ministry of Defence will help victims understand their rights, clarify legal options and make informed decisions about how to proceed. Advice will cover issues such as data disclosure and the implications of sharing personal information, including mobile phone and medical records.
The scheme is designed to operate alongside a wider package of holistic support, including pastoral care provided by the Victim Witness Care Unit, and aims to make the often complex and traumatic process of reporting and responding to sexual offences more navigable for complainants. By offering legal guidance prior to formal reporting, the programme seeks to empower victims with clarity about their choices and potential paths through the justice system.
This pilot runs for 12 months and may be extended if demonstrated to be effective. It follows other recent reforms aimed at strengthening protections for victims within the military justice system, including provisions in the ongoing Armed Forces Bill to improve guidance, protective orders and investigative powers. These measures collectively reflect government emphasis on support and accountability in cases of serious and sexual violence involving service personnel.
The introduction of free independent legal advice represents a departure from previous practice by establishing a structured, external support mechanism for complainants of sexual offences in the military context. The degree to which this pilot will influence reporting rates, satisfaction with justice processes, and longer-term reform of the Service Justice System remains an evolving issue as the scheme is implemented and evaluated.
