Patterns and pathways of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse among UK military personnel and veterans

Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA) is a global public health problem with significant physical and mental health consequences for those affected, and financial and resource implications for society. Research from the UK and other countries has shown that military personnel and veterans have significantly higher odds of IPVA use (perpetration) and experience (victimisation) compared to civilians. However, understanding of the dynamics, gendered nature and developmental pathways of IPVA use and experience among military populations is limited. 

This study is examining the prevalence, risk factors and pathways of different patterns of IPVA among male and female UK Armed Forces veterans.

The study utilises data and recruitment from a King's Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) cohort study of UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. The project utilises a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative study utilises Latent Class Analysis and regression analysis to identify different patterns of IPVA use and experience, and test associated risk factors. The qualitative study utilises narrative interviews with military personnel and veterans affected by IPVA to understand the context and nuances of IPVA patterns as well as developmental pathways. 

This study seeks to address three research questions: 

1. What is the prevalence of different patterns of IPVA among male and female UK Armed Forces serving and ex-serving personnel?  
2. What are the factors associated with different IPVA patterns among male and female UK Armed Forces veterans?  
3. What is veterans' understanding and perception of different IPVA patterns and pathways to violence?

This study will draw on data from the KCMHR cohort study of personnel and veterans who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Additional participants may be recruited for qualitative interviews.