Abuse and Bullying During Pregnancy: A Soldier’s Wife’s Fight Against a Corrupt System

My name is Sam, and what I’ve endured at the hands of the British Army and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is nothing short of abuse, neglect, and corruption. The systemic failures I faced, particularly during my pregnancy, serve as a harsh reminder of the abuse military wives are subjected to — a culture of bullying that goes unchecked and unpunished. This nightmare, coupled with false reports to social services, including an affair that took precedence over the needs of military families, eventually led me to create Dope Soul Village — a platform for women to find their voice and stand strong against the very system that seeks to silence us.

The Struggles Within 1 PWRR and a Broken System

The story of my abuse and bullying begins with my ex-husband, Elliott Patrick, a soldier in 1 PWRR, who endured not only personal abuse but also institutional betrayal by the very system he served. The bullying started immediately upon our arrival in Germany, where Elliott was denied opportunities for professional growth and subjected to harassment by his peers.

The situation grew dire when we were posted to Dhekelia, Cyprus, in August 2019. At the heart of this toxic environment was Major OC King, a high-ranking officer whose retaliatory actions against my husband formed the basis of my own mistreatment. As my pregnancy progressed, I found myself increasingly isolated from any support system, and my medical needs were disregarded, denied, and even obstructed.

During a critical time, I was subjected to false allegations of abuse, and at 6 months pregnant, I was denied adequate medical care and access to necessary healthcare. The regimental welfare officer was nowhere to be found, and my husband was pushed further away by bureaucratic hurdles. It was here that Chloe Masters, a fellow military wife, called social services on us, triggering a series of events that no one in their right mind would ever want to experience.

Despite no evidence of any wrongdoing, my family was thrust into an endless nightmare of legal and bureaucratic hurdles. The social worker’s attention seemed to be more fixated on a rumor about an affair within the regiment than on the very real and urgent needs of a pregnant woman. As it became clear, my harassment had everything to do with personal vendettas — Chloe Masters and her circle were determined to tear my family apart, and the military establishment stood by, allowing this.

Chloe Masters Flees and the Alleged Role of Lt Col Nick Zorab MBE

As the situation escalated, Chloe Masters fled the country under suspicious circumstances. Rumors have circulated that Lt Col Nick Zorab MBE, an alleged respected officer with a distinguished career, may have been involved in helping Chloe escape by faking paperwork to facilitate her departure. Zorab’s involvement in this situation remains unconfirmed, due to the corruption within the Unit, but his alleged actions would raise serious questions about the integrity and transparency of military conduct, but as usual the MoD doesnt care. 

Lt Col Nick Zorab MBE, known for his work with 1 PWRR and his military accolades, is connected to several high-profile cases within the army, but his involvement in such a scheme would constitute a breach of his duties as an officer. His family’s reputation, particularly in light of his commendations, has led some to question whether his actions were a form of protectionism — safeguarding his own interests rather than standing by the values he was sworn to uphold.

A Failure to Protect

The military’s failure to intervene in the growing situation wasn’t just limited to my family; it was a pervasive failure of leadership. Elliott’s emotional and mental health deteriorated under constant abuse and the lack of support. As he was denied promotion, denied courses, and subjected to punitive actions for things out of his control, his breakdown was inevitable. The military’s response? Silence. They ignored his cries for help and refused him the support he desperately needed.

At one point, Elliott was wrongfully marked as AWOL due to a miscommunication that was never addressed. When he sought support, his welfare officer’s response was a dismissive “try to fix your marriage.” No concern was given to the systemic failures that had caused his breakdown. The culture of bullying, unchecked by leadership, had pushed my family to the brink. My personal experience of being denied healthcare and subjected to false reports was just a symptom of the systemic abuse within 1 PWRR.

The Final Straw and My Path to Empowerment

In January 2024, after years of harassment, Elliott and I made the painful decision to divorce. The military had broken him, and he was no longer the person I had married. I made the decision to create Dope Soul Village — a platform dedicated to supporting women who have suffered at the hands of an unjust system. I wanted to ensure no woman, like myself, would ever feel alone or silenced again. Through this, I am standing up for every woman whose voice has been lost amidst the systemic failures of the military.

The abuse I faced wasn’t just physical or emotional — it was systemic, supported by a military structure that overlooked, ignored, and perpetuated the mistreatment of military wives and families. The fight for justice, accountability, and recognition of the abuse continues, but now I am no longer alone. Dope Soul Village will continue to amplify the voices of those who are overlooked, just as I was.

I am not just speaking for myself; I am speaking for every woman who has been failed by the systems meant to protect them. Together, we can expose the truth, demand accountability, and build a community of support where no woman is left behind. The fight for justice has only just begun.