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