Women Veterans' Experiences With Domestic Violence and With Sexual Harassment While in the Military
Maureen Murdoch, MD, MPH;
Kristin L. Nichol, MD, MPH
Arch Fam Med. 1995;4(5):411-418.
Abstract
| |
Background
Both domestic violence and sexual harassment may adversely affect women's health but often go unrecognized.
Objective
To assess women veterans' experiences with domestic violence and with sexual harassment while in the military as well as the relationship of such experiences to health and health care utilization.
Methods
We surveyed all 191 women hospitalized from March 1992 to 1993 at the Minneapolis (Minn) Veterans Affairs Medical Center and 411 randomly selected female outpatients. Data were collected using an anonymous validated questionnaire.
Results
Results were stratified by age and analyzed using both bivariable and multivariable techniques. Twenty-four percent of respondents under age 50 years reported domestic violence in the past year and 90% reported sexual harassment while in the military. Among older respondents, 7% said they had experienced domestic violence in the past year and 37% reported a history of sexual harassment while in the military. Of those who reported domestic violence in the past year, 50% of respondents under age 50 years and 28% of older respondents said that at least one assault was life-threatening. Rates of reports of completed and attempted sexual assaults while in the military were 20 times higher than previous reports by other government employees. Respondents with a history of either domestic violence (odds ratio, 2.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 5.78) or sexual harassment while in the military (odds ratio, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.22 to 6.53) were more than twice as likely to report a history of anxiety or depression, and a history of domestic violence was associated with more lifetime surgical procedures (odds ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.33).
Conclusions
Histories of domestic violence within the past year and of sexual harassment while in the military are common among women veterans. Both may be associated with adverse effects on mental and physical health.
Author Affiliations
From the General Medicine Section, Minneapolis (Minn) Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
|
The Veterans Health Administration and Military Sexual Trauma
Kimerling et al.
AJPH 2007;97:2160-2166.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Attitudes Toward Women and Tolerance for Sexual Harassment Among Reservists
Vogt et al.
Violence Against Women 2007;13:879-900.
ABSTRACT
Lifetime and Current Sexual Assault and Harassment Victimization Rates of Active-Duty United States Air Force Women
Bostock and Daley
Violence Against Women 2007;13:927-944.
ABSTRACT
Taking Charge: A Pilot Curriculum of Self-Defense and Personal Safety Training for Female Veterans With PTSD Because of Military Sexual Trauma
David et al.
J Interpers Violence 2006;21:555-565.
ABSTRACT
Making a Case for Personal Safety: Perceptions of Vulnerability and Desire for Self-Defense Training among Female Veterans
David et al.
J Interpers Violence 2004;19:991-1001.
ABSTRACT
Burden of Medical Illness in Women With Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Frayne et al.
Arch Intern Med 2004;164:1306-1312.
ABSTRACT
| FULL TEXT
Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse among Active Duty Military Women
Campbell et al.
Violence Against Women 2003;9:1072-1092.
ABSTRACT
The Prevalence of Military Sexual Assault Among Female Veterans' Administration Outpatients
SKINNER et al.
J Interpers Violence 2000;15:291-310.
ABSTRACT
|
