When Isabel embarked on her journey as a trainee for the Royal Marines band, she believed she was fulfilling a cherished childhood dream. However, her experience took a traumatic turn when, within a few weeks, she found herself subjected to what she describes as a sexual assault. The incident, which she says was swiftly dismissed by her commanding officers as mere “high jinks,” left her feeling ostracized to the point of contemplating suicide.
Isabel, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, only recently mustered the courage to speak out about her ordeal, nearly a decade after it occurred and several years after receiving compensation. Reflecting on the past, she now recognizes the gravity of what happened and the extent of the cover-up that followed.
Her story also raises troubling questions about the Royal Marines, an elite unit whose titular head is the king. While the Royal Navy asserts that it has undertaken significant efforts to better support victims of sexual harassment or abuse in the years since Isabel’s experience, her account sheds light on persistent challenges within the institution.
At the time Isabel began her training, women were permitted to join the Royal Marines band, but they were a minority in a predominantly male environment. Instances of sexualized comments, wolf whistling, and ogling were distressingly common, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for female recruits.
Isabel’s training took a dangerous turn due to an undiagnosed heart condition, exacerbated by the rigorous demands of the program. Despite her health struggles, she persevered until an incident in the medical ward left her feeling violated and alone.
Following the incident, Isabel was pressured by her superiors to downplay the severity of what had occurred, under threat of facing consequences herself. Feeling unsupported and marginalized, she eventually walked away from the base, bringing an abrupt end to her military aspirations.
While Isabel’s story dates back several years, it underscores the ongoing need for systemic change within the Royal Marines and the broader military. Despite improvements in support systems, her experience serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by women in male-dominated environments, and the urgent need for accountability and cultural reform.
