The Armed Forces Bill marks a notable shift in how the Government intends to support personnel, veterans, and their families.
At Aurora New Dawn, we have spent nearly a decade delivering specialist services to victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, and stalking within Armed Forces communities. From our perspective, the Bill presents both welcome progress and clear challenges that must be addressed if these reforms are to deliver meaningful change on the ground.
The expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant duty across all public authorities is a significant step. For too long, victims and survivors have struggled within systems that did not fully grasp the complexities of military life. A consistent legal obligation on public services has the potential to close long-standing gaps in support, but only if it is implemented with genuine accountability and a real commitment to understanding the specific ways in which victims and survivors within these communities need support, rather than relying on symbolic intent.
We also recognise the potential impact of the new Defence Housing Service. Safe, stable accommodation is fundamental to the safety and recovery of victims and survivors, particularly those whose lives are shaped by mobility, isolation, and command structures. Enforceable housing standards and the right to a dedicated housing officer are welcome moves that could reduce the housing-related risks that too many Armed Forces families currently face.
The Bill’s strengthened approach to sexual harm, domestic abuse, and stalking is a long-overdue alignment with the protections already available in civilian contexts. We are pleased that service-specific protection orders will give victims clearer routes to safety, something we have long advocated for. However, these measures must be accompanied by training, cultural change, and leadership commitment if they are to be used confidently and consistently across the chain of command.
The introduction of improved rights for victims of service offences, alongside the establishment of the Armed Forces Commissioner, signals a shift towards greater transparency. Independent oversight is essential. Victims and survivors in Armed Forces settings repeatedly tell us that fear of repercussions, rank, or reputational damage continues to deter reporting. If the Government is serious about culture change, then independence must not only exist on paper but be visible, trusted, and properly resourced.
Aurora New Dawn stands ready to support the implementation of these reforms. But we will continue to hold the Government to account to ensure that the rights introduced in Westminster translate into safety, justice, and real-world protection for victims and survivors across the British Armed Forces.
Dr Shonagh Dillon LLB, DCrimJ
CEO – Aurora New Dawn
If you are an Armed Forces personnel or family member who has been affected by domestic abuse, you can contact our independent, confidential, and free helpline for advice and support.
