Partner Violence in the Military: A Call to Action - Abstract
Considerable research exists for the prevalence of intimate partner violence in civilian couples, though the opposite is true for married or cohabitating couples consisting of active duty soldiers or veterans. Since its start, more than 2.5 million United States Military Veterans have served in the Global War on Terror (Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom). The high rates of combat exposure among military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan (as high as 90%), and high-profile homicides among military personnel and their intimate partners have led to concern by military and civilians regarding the impact of combat exposure and military member psychological well-being on marital stability and IPV. Military personnel are exposed to unique stressors that can contribute to risk factors associated with increased IPV. Thus far, prevention and treatment programs for military personnel and their families are based off of programs used within the civilian community. Results of the effectiveness of these treatments within the military are discouraging at best. This review examines risk factors of IPV within the military and overviews treatment. Additionally, lack of confidentiality within the military will be examined.