Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant issue that affects all women, including those who serve in the military. The myriad of issues faced by active-duty women who experience IPV is very similar to those of women who have never been in the military. However, active-duty women have an additional layer of challenges and concerns related to the military culture and the military’s response to IPV. Many women in the military have experienced individual trauma, including IPV, at some point in their lives, be it before, during, and/or after leaving the military. This article provides data from the first survey that have ever compared military and civilian rates of IPV, sexual violence, and stalking. It also addresses the context in which the violence is embedded, the impact on risk and danger, the consequences of a trauma history, and a trauma-informed approach for a screening, assessment, and intervention.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …