RESUMEN
Physical and sexual abuse are increasingly recognized as common harmful experiences for women. We surveyed 828 women veterans seeking care at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center to determine the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse experiences, both during and outside of military service. Data were collected through an anonymous, mailed questionnaire, with a response rate of 52%. Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported at least one form of abuse, and 27% reported all three. Sexual abuse was most common (55%), followed by physical abuse (48%), and rape (41%). Enlisted women, women younger than 50, and single, separated, or divorced women were significantly more likely to report abusive experiences. Over 40% of the women reporting abuse were never victimized while on active duty, and these women were less likely to receive counseling. Physical and sexual abuse experiences are disturbingly common among women veterans and demonstrate the need for additional services to assist these women.
PIP: A survey to determine the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse experiences, during and outside of military service, was conducted among 828 women veterans at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Data collection was through anonymous, mailed questionnaire. Three questions were used to elicit histories of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and rape. From the survey, 429 completed forms (52%) were returned. Most of the veterans had at least some college education and about 50% served 4 or more years on active duty. About 68% of the respondents reported at least one form of victimization, while 27% reported to have undergone all three forms, of which sexual abuse was the most common, followed by physical abuse and then rape. It was in adulthood that all three forms of abuse took place with one-third of the women reporting victimization during active duty. However, 50% of the women veterans reporting physical abuse, 44% reporting sexual abuse, and 52% reporting rape were never victimized during their military careers. Single women and divorced women were more likely to report victimization. In conclusion, physical and sexually abused veteran women were the ones more likely seeking care at the center.