Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiving:  Research Update

Military Network Radio and Linda Kreter, with Co-host Justin Constantine presents:

Intimate Partner Violence and Caregiving:  Research Update

Cristin Orr Shiffer
April Gerlock, PhD, ARNP is a subject matter expert, IPV advocate and a well-respected researcher in Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).  There are now 5.5 million veteran caregivers of all eras.  Why is this important?

New research of 441 heterosexual couples (of all eras) with a veteran receiving treatment for PTSD shows that caregiving activities can be “triggers” to violence. Of those participating in the study, 45% reported IPV events, which is startling. For a veteran, caregiving works against military culture, and creates vulnerability and loss of control. However, aggression, threats, and violence result in fears of the caregiver and children, creating a hyper-awareness of the veteran for self-preservation and family unity.  Learn about increased risk by reporting and escalating the issues to the authorities, and some, but not universal, VA programs to manage the aftermath.

Communication, community, and responsibility are 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, seek the new book with chapters by April Gerlock and SME Glenna Tinney: Intimacy Post-Injury: Combat Trauma and Sexual Health (Oxford press), edited by Elspeth Cameron Ritchie.

Click here to download the show: http://bit.ly/MNR-IPV_CG, or click below to listen live. Also available on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher.  Air date, 20Feb2018.

Everyone serves and together we make a difference.

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