Thesis Title:
Investigating the patterns of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA) among UK military veterans, gender differences in prevalence and associated risk factors, and personal narratives of pathways to different patterns of IPVA
Thesis Abstract:
Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse (IPVA) is a global public health problem with significant physical and mental health consequences for those affected, and financial and resource implications for society. Research from the UK and other countries has shown that military personnel and veterans have significantly higher odds of IPVA use (perpetration) and experience (victimisation) compared to civilians.1 However, understanding of the nuances, gender differences in patterns, and developmental pathways of IPVA use and experience among military populations is limited.
This study therefore aims to improve understanding of the prevalence, risk factors and pathways of different patterns of IPVA among male and female UK Armed Forces veterans. The study utilises data and recruitment from a King’s Centre for Military Health Research (KCMHR) cohort study of UK Armed Forces personnel and veterans who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 to investigate the following questions:
- What is the prevalence of different patterns of IPVA among male and female UK Armed Forces serving and ex-serving personnel?
- What are the key risk factors associated with different IPVA patterns among male and female UK Armed Forces veterans?
- What are veterans’ narratives of pathways of IPVA? This will qualitatively explore veterans’ understanding and perceptions of IPVA patterns.
The research aims to support the development of comprehensive screening and treatment strategies for IPVA, and support policy and practice change. The study is conducted in collaboration with Combat Stress, a leading UK military mental health charity.
Primary Supervisor:
Dr Deirdre MacManus