Military Network Radio and Linda Kreter with Co-host Justin Constantine presents:
Caregiving and Intimate Partner Violence: Research Update –
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April Gerlock, PhD, ARNP is a subject matter expert and highly respected researcher in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the military community. There are now 5.5 million veteran caregivers today. Caregivers play a key role in the recovery and well-being of veterans and in this latest study, 441 heterosexual couples participated, and the rate of aggression and violence was 45%. This is a disturbingly high rate, especially as the study showed caregiving activities were often “triggers” to IPV, highlighting the vulnerability and loss of control for the veteran. The military culture and the stigma against reporting violence from a disabled “hero” can result in fears and creating a hyper-awareness of the veteran for self-preservation and family unity. She shares there are risks associated in escalating the issues to the authorities. Communication, community, and responsibility are the key components to a lasting intimate relationship — with the intertwined presence of PTSD and trauma creating a unique and possibly volatile environment to caregivers and children in the household. We are grateful to Dr. Gerlock for her expertise during October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For more information, see Dr. Gerlock and Dr. Glenna Tinney’s chapters in the new book, Intimacy Post-Injury: Combat Trauma and Sexual Health, edited by Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, and www.bwjp.org. Click here to download the show, http://bit.ly/CG-IPVshow, or click below to listen live. Also available on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. Air date, 18Oct2016.
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