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Incidents of domestic violence rarely occur without a connection to one or more other issues. Whether it is alcohol and drug addiction, or an abusive past, these issues can all contribute to and help exacerbate domestic violence. It is also no coincidence that domestic violence rates are higher among veterans diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), than among the general population.

In fact, veterans suffering from PTSD are two to three times more likely to become physically abusive than veterans without PTSD according to Veterans Affairs research.

A study done in 1994 found that more violent acts were perpetrated by veterans diagnosed with PTSD than by veterans not diagnosed with PTSD. (Beckham, Feldman, Kirby, Hertzberg, and Moore) Despite this, active-duty military men, couples seeking relationship therapy and Vietnam veterans with and without PTSD are still found to have higher rates of domestic violence than the general population.

Monica Matthieu, Ph.D., an expert on veteran mental health, says that the mental health treatment for victims of PTSD must be combined with treatment from specialized domestic violence intervention programs in order to effectively rehabilitate veterans.

University of Arkansas psychologist Matthew T. Feldner, Ph.D., says that the main focuses of the integrated domestic violence and PTSD programs are on improving communication and anger management skills.

These programs must address the needs brought about by both the U.S.’s current and former military engagements. The demographic of veterans today covers a wide spectrum. From WWII veterans to young men who have recently completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, this spectrum has created a unique need in the domestic violence prevention and treatment community.

No one is immune to being a victim of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is being victimized call the National toll free Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

This posting is part of a series by passionate allies in the cause. The author is Sara Aucker , a 2010 intern with Becky's Fund.