Military families carry unique domestic violence burdens — often invisible to civilian society but real and significant.
Domestic Violence 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 domestic violence
- Frequent relocation: PCS moves disrupt social supports that protect against domestic violence
- Secondary trauma: Living with a service member with PTSD or domestic violence creates secondary psychological impact
Children in Military Families and Domestic Violence
Military children are resilient but face significant domestic violence risks. School changes, parent absence, and exposure to parent's domestic violence all require specific support.
Resources for Military Family Domestic Violence
Military OneSource, Military Family Life Counselors (MFLC), and installation behavioral health services provide free or low-cost domestic violence support for military families.