Independent inquiry demanded after rape allegations at Harrogate AFC
Serious allegations of rape and sexual abuse at the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate have led to fresh demands for an independent inquiry.
Four women told the BBC they were assaulted as 17-year-old recruits and described a toxic, misogynistic culture at the college.
Sarah Atherton, who led a major review on women in the armed forces, says only an outside investigation can rebuild trust.
Emma Lewell: Army failed young recruits
MP Emma Lewell MP called it "If this was any other school or residential environment for children, it would have been closed down." that the Army didn't protect young recruits from sexual violence, pointing out that any other youth institution would have been shut down over similar claims.
The Army says it's made changes to support victims.
MoD logs 176 sexual complaints
From 2018 to mid-2025, a total of 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behavior at the college were made, according to Ministry of Defence (MoD) data;
North Yorkshire Police had received 16 reports of sexual offenses linked to the college in the year to June.
Survivors describe ongoing problems with safety and reporting: one woman shared she was raped by fellow recruits.