MeToo, the military and PTSD - pension

[TwattingDog]

Apologies, blatant posting for traffic.

A dear friend is struggling with PTSD. She is in the process of appealing a decision (not to pay out) a military pension, which goes to a tribunal.

It stems from sexual abuse during the 1990s, whilst she was serving in the Royal Navy. They are saying there is no record of this happening, but we know action was taken, people were moved department etc and one subsequently served time for unrelated matters that arose out of the situation (too outing to disclose here).

I'm desperate for help with the tribunal appeal, as I am preparing a lot of the documents for her - she has no money for a solicitor (NOT A BEGGING THREAD!). We can't consult a no win no fee company until we have more info to instruct them.

1. Does anyone have an account with www.forces-war-records.co.uk who could send me screenshots of one name? I believe I've identified the record, but am loathe to pay a membership unless it's of use (to pinpoint someone's service dates)

1. Does anyone have any experience of this process, who can advise us on what to expect?

1. Does anyone have knowledge of how long the Navy police / reggies retain their records? Would it go back to 1993? What about things like service complaints and outcomes?

Thank you for reading, all help and guidance gratefully received.

I’m sorry can’t help - bumping. Hope your friend will be ok.

Thank you! She's been working with Combat Stress and a women's organisation, but there's not much else available now. She's an amazing woman.

Have you contacted the Royal British Legion or the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust? They don't just give financial help, they can give advice on other things too. SSAFA is another one.

I'm so sorry about your friend. You sound like an amazing support to her.

Thank you @TheFairyCaravan the Wrens Benevolent Trust are helping with a small stipend (her PIP is also going to tribunal, so she's living off thin air!). RBL will only help with legal advice once a tribunal date is set with the pension tribunal. RNBT haven't been forthcoming.

I must phone SSAFA again, thanks for that!

Report it to the police, sexual abuse is taken very seriously even if it’s historic. That should help the navy see sense

The civilian police. Maybe. Back then she was told it was normal, and to just get on with it. I'm not sure she's got the strength in her to fight him, or the system, again. I think if she ever had to be in the same building, she'd implode. She's barely clinging on to life some days.

Bumping for the morning crowd

Anyone? Please