By Charlotte Webster-
A 19-year-old soldier, Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck, took her own life at a military base on December 15, 2021, after enduring what an army investigation has described as “an intense period of unwelcome behavior,” including sexual harassment by her boss.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about the pervasive issue of bullying, harassment, and sexual assault within the military, as well as the challenges faced by those who report such incidents.
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The army investigation found that Gunner Beck had suffered for two months leading up to her death, and it is believed that this harassment was a significant contributing factor to her tragic decision.
Her boss, who remains unnamed in the report, pursued a romantic relationship with Gunner Beck, even though she was in a committed relationship with someone else.
He bombarded her with over 1,000 WhatsApp messages and voicemails in October 2021, a number that escalated to 3,500 in November. His messages were often controlling and possessive, causing considerable distress to Gunner Beck.
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Despite Gunner Beck’s attempts to be understanding and maintain a professional relationship, the relentless harassment became unbearable for her. She reached out to her boss weeks before her death, stating, “I can’t handle it anymore. It’s weighing me down.” This cry for help was tragically unheeded.
Gunner Beck’s family, including her mother Leighann McCready, expressed their concerns about the impact of her boss’s behavior on her well-being.
They noticed a significant change in her demeanor, as she became increasingly withdrawn and unhappy. Ms. McCready revealed that her daughter had been hesitant to report the sexual harassment, citing a previous incident in which she reported a sexual assault by another officer that resulted in no action being taken.
The lack of support and justice in the prior case left Gunner Beck disillusioned about reporting such incidents within the military.
The army’s report acknowledges that the sexual harassment Gunner Beck experienced was a contributing factor in her death, a rare admission in such cases. This acknowledgment highlights the systemic issues surrounding harassment and bullying within the armed forces.
Furthermore, the report also points out deficiencies in the reporting process of the prior sexual assault incident, indicating that key details were omitted, resulting in a minor punishment for the offender. This mishandling of the previous case may have influenced Gunner Beck’s decision not to report subsequent incidents, as she feared being labeled a troublemaker.
The tragic death of Gunner Beck underscores the urgent need for reform within the military to address issues of harassment, bullying, and sexual assault.
Her family’s lawyer, Emma Norton, noted the significance of the army’s admission and the family’s concerns about attempts to shift blame onto them.
Gunner Beck’s family rejects the army’s assertion that her personal issues, including a bereavement, were responsible for her death. They believe that the focus should be on addressing the toxic environment that allowed harassment to persist.
The army has stated that measures to combat sexual harassment were introduced in November 2022, but the tragic case of Gunner Beck highlights the need for more comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety and well-being of military personnel.
Individuals who may be feeling distressed or suicidal are advised to call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
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