Intimate Partner and Domestic Violence Among Military Populations

Abstract

Domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) are global health issues impacting both civilian and military populations. This chapter explored the impact of DV and IPV in the military. Definitions of DV and IVP along with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse were clarified. Prevalence rates among military populations were highlighted and include reported incidents of spousal, intimate partner, and adult sexual abuse. The context of violence and the numerous factors associated with military service were discussed along with its impact on victims’ mental and physical health. Many of these factors also contribute to increased prevalence rates in areas including spouse abuse, intimate partner abuse, adult sexual abuse, and domestic abuse fatalities, and future directions of DV and IVP will be illuminated in the last chapter of the brief.