Support Groups for Abused Military Wives

Support groups can help abused military wives.

Domestic abuse is tragic in any situation. It can be difficult for the abused wife to come forward to report the abuse, and difficult for her not to drop the charges after pressure from her abuser. These problems can be even more acute in the military, especially during times of war, and can prevent women from getting in touch with support groups and other resources to help them.

PTSD and Abuse

While domestic violence has always been a problem, wars and situations where the soldier husband is sent into combat zones for long periods of time increase the prevalence of soldiers abusing their wives. During the Afghanistan and second Iraq wars, there was a sharp increase in violence committed by soldiers returning from deployment. Many of these individuals have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The violence ranged from assault on strangers to violence against their wives.

Fear of Coming Forward

Many women who are abused are afraid to come forward. Their fears range from uncertainty about their ability to support themselves without support from their abuser, to fears of what their abuser will do if he finds out they came forward. They fear for themselves and for their children. The same fears that prevent many women from coming forward can also cause them to drop charges if they do come forward.

Lack of Systemic Support

Many military wives who are being abused by their husband find that the military's culture is another obstacle to getting help. These range from a stigma against seeking help in the military, to the perception that the military is more interested in protecting soldiers than helping abused wives. One military wife who was trying to seek help from the army to protect her from her husband was told that her husband was fighting overseas, and they weren't going to bring him back for prosecution just because he beat her, according to a New York Times article.

Support Groups and Resources

While there are many obstacles and difficulties that face abused military wives who want to seek support, there are resources. Every base has a Family Advocacy Program (FAP), which seeks to help these wives. The organization can put women in touch with support groups to show the woman that she is not the only one suffering, and provide her with the kind of help only someone else who has been in her situation can offer. Additionally, the FAP helps advocate for women who need legal recourse and protection.

References

• Fort Knox: Family Advocacy Program
• Military Home Front: Domestic Abuse Home
• All Psychology Careers: Domestic - Spousal Abuse in the Military
• "The New York Times"; A Focus on Violence by Returning G.I.'s; Lizette Alvarez and Dan Frosch; January 2009
• "The New York Times"; Despite Army's Assurances, Violence at Home; Lizette Alvarez; November 2008
• "The New York Times"; Abuse Suspects, Your Calls Are Taped. Speak Up. ; William Glaberson; February 2011

Resources

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline