Impact on spouses/partners
Spousal trauma
Even though it was your partner on the front lines, you might be just as impacted by their trauma as they are. So called “secondary trauma” is extremely common in partners of military and veteran spouses, and the symptoms can be just as severe as they are for those who’ve experienced combat firsthand.
If your spouse is a veteran with combat or military trauma, PTSD, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), you may be experiencing Secondary PTSD. Learn more about PTSD.
An overlooked epidemic
39%
of the spouses of veterans with PTSD experience secondary trauma (PTSD without direct exposure to the original traumatic event). Two-thirds of these spouses admit they need psychological help, but most don’t receive it. Spousal symptoms include: PTSD, depression, drug abuse, suicide, and compassion fatigue.
55%
of military couples affected by PTSD experience a physical altercation of some kind as a result.
37%
of military couples reported anger outbreaks or violence 2-6 times per six month period.
14%
reported daily violence.
The Hope Project has learned that military and veteran couples are most successful when they pursue healing together. Only when each person takes ownership of his or her own wellbeing can the cycles of trauma and conflict end. You can break the cycle. We can help.
Learn more about our programs and services.