
If you’ve ever heard that the military is a family, I hate to break it to you, but that’s a lie—at least, not the kind of family you want to be part of. Sure, they’ll welcome you with open arms and tell you about all the "family" support they offer, but the reality is far different. Speak up, question their ways, or, heaven forbid, call them out on corruption, and you’ll find out just how dangerous it can really be.
This is something I know all too well, having been a wife in the military, witnessing firsthand the bullying and intimidation that were meant to break my spirit. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has tried to silence me. But here’s the thing—they underestimate my resolve. I won’t stop speaking out until justice is served, and those responsible are behind bars, where they belong.
A Culture of Corruption and Bullying
Let’s start by looking at some recent headlines that paint a picture of the MoD’s so-called “family” culture. From abusive behaviour to cover-ups and broken promises, the military seems to be riddled with corruption.
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Sexual Assault and Bullying in the Ranks
Take the case of a soldier who was sacked from prison for sexually assaulting a fellow soldier. Rather than being a protector, the military becomes a breeding ground for predatory behaviour. The very institution meant to protect and defend its own is actively engaging in toxic, harmful behaviour. The Sun reports on incidents like this regularly, showing that there’s no real accountability. -
Hiding the Truth to Protect Their Own
In one case, a top general was involved in a scandal after being caught romping with a junior officer’s wife. The military’s response? A complete cover-up and silence. If you think the MoD is about serving your country with honour, think again. It’s more about protecting the careers of those at the top, no matter the cost to the people below them. -
Shocking Accommodation Conditions
How about the state of accommodation for military personnel? The £1.5bn repairs required to bring barracks and housing up to standard is just one example of how poorly the military treats its own. Soldiers are forced to live in substandard conditions while the MoD continues to neglect their well-being. -
Bullied into Silence
I’m not the only one who’s seen how toxic this culture can be. Take the case of a young marine who was bullied so severely that it led to a tragic suicide. The Sun reported on this investigation, which revealed that bullying and harassment were rife in the ranks. And when you try to report it? You’re often met with more retaliation. It’s clear the MoD cares more about protecting its reputation than protecting its people. -
The Death of a Teen Soldier
And then there’s the tragic case of a teen soldier who collapsed and died during a heatwave. The Sun reported that the military failed to take proper care of their personnel, leading to this needless loss of life. But when it comes to admitting mistakes, the MoD is nowhere to be found.
When You Speak Up, Expect to Be Silenced
When my ex-husband bravely spoke up about the bullying he faced within the ranks, his superiors didn’t respond with support—they retaliated. Graeme King, his boss from A Coy 1 PWRR, with the help of Lt Col Wild and Dr Stewart, went as far as trying to have me sectioned while pregnant. Why? Because I refused to believe that my baby was going to die. They never provided any evidence. But instead of helping, they targeted us further.
This kind of behaviour isn’t a one-off—it’s systematic. If you’re a whistleblower or someone who dares to speak out about injustice, the military will come for you. They’ll try to break you down, ruin your life, and shut you up. And even when you think there’s no way out, the MoD’s deep-rooted corruption ensures that nothing changes.
My Fight for Justice and the Birth of Dope Soul Village
This is where Dope Soul Village comes in. I refused to be silenced, and I refused to let my family suffer in the way the MoD intended. They thought they could break me. Instead, they inspired me to create something bigger than them.
Dope Soul Village is my way of fighting back. It’s a platform for women to come together, support one another, and break free from the toxic systems that try to hold us down. We provide feminist clothing, feminist hoodies, feminist t-shirts, and other apparel that celebrates strength, resilience, and unity. It’s more than just clothes; it’s a movement.
We offer women empowerment clothing that gives voice to the struggles many women face, whether it's domestic violence, workplace discrimination, or the abuses that go unchecked in the military. Each item from our collection—whether it’s a feminist sweatshirt or a mental health t-shirt—is designed with one thing in mind: to empower women. To let them know that their voices matter, and their stories are valid.
The journey to build Dope Soul Village wasn’t easy, but it has been worth every single step. I’ve channeled the pain and frustration of being targeted into something that helps other women, and my goal is to create a community where no woman is left behind.
The Future of Dope Soul Village
At Dope Soul Village, we’re not just about clothing; we’re about creating a culture of support, justice, and equality. We’re a feminist apparel company committed to making a real impact. By selling ethical feminist clothing, we hope to challenge the status quo and encourage women to fight back against the systems that try to control them.
But we’re also about more than just standing up for ourselves—we’re about helping others do the same. That’s why 20% of our profits go towards supporting women-led solutions and charitable causes. We don’t just talk the talk; we walk the walk. It’s time to hold the MoD accountable for the corruption, bullying, and abuse that runs rampant. They can’t silence us forever.
So, What’s Next?
To those still serving, or those contemplating joining, remember this: the military is not a family. It’s a system riddled with corruption, bullying, and cover-ups. Don’t expect any real support when you need it the most. But for those of us who have been silenced, we have found a way to speak out, and we won’t stop until the truth is exposed.
If you’re tired of the lies and the corruption, join us at Dope Soul Village. Wear your feminist clothing with pride and show the world that you won’t be silenced. Together, we can make a change.