Availability of Family Violence Services for Military Service Members and Their Families
Abstract
Family violence occurs in the U.S. military as it does in the civilian population, but unique stresses of military life may contribute to the risk for child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse among service members. Multiple deployments, family separation and reintegration, combat-related brain injuries, frequent relocations, financial strains, higher rates of substance abuse, and military cultural norms around authority and hierarchy may all contribute to child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse among service members. Moreover, there are multiple circumstances that may inhibit reporting and prevent victims and perpetrators from seeking help for child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse, including potential reduction in rank; limitations in promotion; loss of income, housing, insurance, and retirement benefits; community stigma or disbelief; and fear of retribution from a dangerous partner. Given these substantial challenges, it is unclear to what extent military programs are available to meet the needs of military victims and offenders of child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse. At the request of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, RAND Corporation conducted a multimethod research study to review current resources and programs available to military families, and provided recommendations for both improving services and increasing access to services when needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1118336
Entities
People
- Angela Clague
- Coreen A. Farris
- Katharine Sieck
- Laura L. Miller
- Lynn Rosenthal
- Margaret Tankard
- Peter Glick
- Praise O. Iyiewuare
- Radha I. Plumb
Organizations
- RAND Corporation