Military-to-Civilian Transition Stressors Associated With Couples' Intimate Partner Violence.

Abstract

Objective: Higher rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) have been documented among veterans, compared to those who are currently serving. However, no known studies have examined associations between IPV and transition-related stressors among couples who have recently separated from military service. This study aimed to address this gap by examining associations between military status, transition-related stressors, and IPV.

Method: Using survey data from the Millennium Cohort Family Study, we examined associations between U.S. service members' military status (currently serving: n = 1,581; veteran: n = 1,731), IPV, and transition-related stressors (financial strain, social support, housing instability, and employment status). Transition-related stressors were then tested as potential mediators in the relationship between military status and IPV.

Results: Veteran status was associated with a 71% increase in the odds of IPV; veteran couples had greater financial strain and were more likely to work part-time or not be employed relative to their currently serving counterparts, and veterans had lower levels of perceived social support. Couples' financial strain and perceived social support partially mediated associations between military status and IPV.

Conclusions: These results suggest that primary targets for IPV prevention include strengthening couples' financial well-being and bolstering perceived social support among currently serving military personnel and veterans.

Public significance statement: Veteran couples had higher rates of intimate partner violence compared with couples who are currently serving in the military. Stressors associated with separation from military service-financial strain, social support, and underemployment-were associated with, and partially accounted for, elevated intimate partner violence among veterans.