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Guidance

Defence support: bullying, harassment or discrimination

Guidance for Defence personnel on how to raise concerns about bullying, harassment or discrimination and get support.

From:
Ministry of Defence
Published:
9 September 2026

This guidance is for Armed Forces personnel, civil servants, contractors, and their families and friends.

If you have experienced a sexual offence, visit Defence support: sexual offences.

Defence personnel can find additional guidance on how to recognise and respond to unacceptable or criminal behaviour and access support on the Call it Out hub on Defence Gateway.

If you have experienced unacceptable behaviour including bullying, harassment, sexual harassment or discrimination, support is available.

This page explains how you can raise a complaint and get support. 

Unacceptable behaviour has no place in Defence and concerns will be taken seriously.

You may wish to:

  • seek advice
  • resolve the issue informally
  • make a formal complaint

Support is available whatever approach you choose.   

If illegal or criminal behaviour has occurred, this should be reported to the Service Police, MOD Police or civilian police as soon as possible.

If you are unsure if what you’ve seen or experienced is unacceptable behaviour, you can read the definition of the behaviours in Behaviours and informal complaints resolution (JSP 763) - GOV.UK.

Raise a complaint

Seek informal resolution

In some circumstances, concerns can be resolved informally. Early action can help stop issues escalating, address misunderstandings and restore working relationships. 

Informal resolution does not mean the matter is less important or will not be taken seriously. The main difference is that informal processes are often simpler and can help resolve issues more quickly. 

Service or civilian personnel may wish to: 

  • speak directly to the person, if you feel comfortable doing so
  • seek advice or intervention from a manager or Chain of Command, adviser or another trusted person
  • use local support, mediation or advisory services available within Defence

You can choose to make a formal complaint at any time. 

For more information read Behaviours and informal complaints resolution (JSP 763).

 Defence personnel can also find more detailed information on the Call it Out hub on Defence Gateway.

Service Complaint  

Current and former members of the Armed Forces can make a Service Complaint if they believe they have been wronged on a matter that arises under service law.

This can include complaints of bullying, harassment, discrimination and biased, improper or dishonest behaviour. 

You can:

For more information read the guidance on the Armed Forces Service Complaints process - GOV.UK or at Redress of individual grievances: service complaints (JSP 831) - GOV.UK.

Civilian Formal Complaint

Defence civil servants, contractors, consultants and agency workers can raise formal complaints or grievances about bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation through the MOD Civilian Formal Complaints Process. 

You can use the My Complaints App on Defence Gateway to: 

  • submit a formal complaint 
  • submit an anonymous complaint 
  • record an incident, even if you do not wish to make a complaint at that time 

If you cannot access the app, contact the DBS HR Advisory and Casework Service:

Support is available whether or not you choose to make a complaint. 

Defence personnel can also find more detailed information on the Call it Out hub on Defence Gateway.

Get support

Support is available whether or not you choose to make a formal complaint. You may want advice, help understanding your options, or simply someone to talk to before deciding what to do next. 

You do not need to make a formal complaint to access support. Different services can provide practical advice, emotional support and information about the options available to you. 

Defence personnel can find additional guidance on how to recognise and respond to unacceptable or criminal behaviour and access support on the Call it Out hub on Defence Gateway.

Available to all personnel:

Local support 

If you would prefer to speak to someone directly, support is available through local Defence networks.   

You can speak to: 

  • a friend or colleague 
  • your manager or Chain of Command 
  • welfare staff  
  • a diversity and inclusion adviser
  • staff networks 
  • a padre or chaplain 
  • a Trade Union representative (civilian personnel only) for advice and support on workplace issues and complaints processes.

If you choose to inform your Chain of Command about a sexual offence, their duty of care means they must tell the Service Police.

Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination Helpline  

A confidential helpline is available for military personnel, civil servants and contractors.

Trained advisers can provide emotional support, practical advice and guidance on the support available to you. The helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year and offers a safe, anonymous space to discuss concerns.  

Telephone: 0800 014 2381 (UK) or +44 330 008 5942 (Overseas) 

Confidential hotline  

If you have concerns about wrongdoing, misconduct, illegal activity, safety risks or behaviour that falls below the standards expected in Defence, you can seek confidential advice and guidance for raising a concern and whistleblowing in Defence. 

Email: Confidential-hotline@mod.gov.uk 

Further information can be found in the MOD Raising a Concern Policy.

Defence Victim and Witness Care Unit

The Defence Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) provide support for victims and witnesses of serious crime committed by people who are under service law in the UK and overseas.

It is independent of the chain of command and you can self-refer. 

Victim Liaison Officers (VLOs) can explain what support is available, help you access services and make sure your views are understood.  

Helpline: text or call 07974 074259.  

Available Monday to Thursday, 8am to 4pm, and Friday, 8am to 3:30pm, excluding bank holidays.  

Email: People-DSCC-VWCUGroup@mod.gov.uk 

For more information visit the Victim Witness Care Unit GOV.UK page.

Support for Service personnel, veterans and their families:

The Armed Forces Commissioner 

The role of the Commissioner is to provide independent and impartial oversight of the Service Complaints system for members of the UK Armed Forces.

It is also to act as a direct point of contact for serving personnel and their families who can raise general service welfare concerns that may impact on their service lives and their ability to serve.   

For more information visit the Armed Forces Commissioner website.

Aurora New Dawn 

Aurora New Dawn is a charity that provides free and confidential support for UK Armed Forces personnel and their families, including those deployed overseas. It is independent from Defence and the Chain of Command. 

The specialist team can support you if you are experiencing domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking.  

Call the helpline or WhatsApp: +44 (0)333 0912 527 

Helpline hours (GMT): 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.

WhatsApp service (GMT): Tuesday 9am to 3pm, Wednesday and Thursday 5pm to 8pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm.

For more information visit the Aurora Dawn Armed Forces website.

SSAFA Safe to Serve 

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, is a source of support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

SSAFA Safe To Serve is a dedicated support service for women currently serving in HM Armed Forces who are experiencing bullying, discrimination, harassment, or sexual harassment. It is outside the military Chain of Command.

  • Telephone: Speak directly to an advisor by calling + 44 800 260 6722
  • Webform: Use the webform to send a message
  • WhatsApp: Send a message securely on +44 203 807 4400

If you are not a woman currently serving in HM Armed Forces but you would like to speak to SSAFA, please contact SSAFA Forcesline online or telephone +44 800 260 6780 (9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 4pm on Friday).

Veterans UK 

Veterans UK provides support and guidance for veterans, former members of the Armed Forces, and their families.

It can provide information on welfare support, compensation schemes, pensions and other services available to the veteran community. 

  • call: 0808 1914 218 

For more information visit Veterans UK.

Support for civilians and contractors:

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 

If you are a civilian, the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is a confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It can help with personal or work-related issues. EAP will not share any information with your employer or managers. 

Helpline:  

  • 0800 731 8629 (UK)  
  • +44 330 008 5959 (outside the UK) 
  • contact form   

For more information, visit the Workplace wellbeing website. 

If you are deployed or based overseas:

If you are overseas, you can access the same support options as in the UK.  

Other support organisations 

If you prefer to seek support outside of Defence, specialist organisations can provide information, advice and practical support. 

General advice and support   

Armed Forces, families and veterans 

Bullying, harassment, discrimination and whistleblowing 

If you have experienced a sexual offence, visit Defence support: sexual offences on GOV.UK.

Defence personnel can find more guidance on how to recognise and respond to unacceptable or criminal behaviour and get support on the Call it Out hub on Defence Gateway.

Updates to this page

Published 9 September 2026

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