Family Violence, Research and Clinical Implications

摘要

Incidents of violence among military families frequently attract public attention, and the public holds the Department of Defense accountable for the way it responds to such internal problems and supports the well being of military personnel and their spouses and dependents. Furthermore, some have questioned whether professional training in the use of force and a high risk of exposure to violence at work may increase the likelihood of abuse and violence in personal relationships. However, most military personnel are in support occupations rather than training for active combat, and there is little empirical evidence for the theory that a military profession causes family violence. This article summarizes available research on family violence within the military and describes the risk and protective factors in the military community that might influence rates of family violence. It discusses factors that civilian practitioners should be aware of when working with military families when violence is an issue.