About 74 percent feared what the military would do to their battering spouse. About 64 percent feared the military would punish their spouse. About 56 percent feared their spouse would be forced to leave the military. Nearly half of the victims on active duty feared the same consequences for themselves, officials said. Only 30 percent feared their spouse would hurt them again because of the report.
Abusers tend to be young and newly married.
About 49 percent were under age 26. About 57 percent were in the military less than seven years and 32 percent, less than four years. About 57 percent were married for less than three years. DoD families face challenges unique to the military lifestyle, Becraft said. Frequent deployments cause family separations, and frequent moves disrupt family lifestyles.