Military families carry unique adverse childhood experiences burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Adverse Childhood Experiences Challenges Unique to Military Families
- Deployment separation: Repeated separations create attachment disruption and anxiety for all family members
- Reintegration: Return from deployment requires major readjustment, often triggering adverse childhood experiences
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against adverse childhood experiences
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or adverse childhood experiences creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Adverse Childhood Experiences
Military children are resilient but face significant adverse childhood experiences risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's adverse childhood experiences all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Adverse Childhood Experiences
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost adverse childhood experiences support for military families.