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Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
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Trauma Among Female Veterans

A Critical Review

Heidi M. Zinzow

Medical University of South Carolina

Anouk L. Grubaugh

Medical University of South Carolina; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Jeannine Monnier

Medical University of South Carolina

Samantha Suffoletta-Maierle

Private Practice, Charleston, South Carolina

B. Christopher Frueh

University of Hawai'i at Hilo

This article reviews the literature documenting the nature and prevalence of traumatic experiences, trauma-related mental and physical health problems, and service use among female veterans. Existing research indicates that female veterans experience higher rates of trauma exposure in comparison to the general population. Emerging data also suggest that female veterans may be as likely to be exposed to combat as male veterans, although not as directly or as frequently. Female veterans also report high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder, which has been associated with poor psychiatric and physical functioning. Although sexual assault history has been related to increased medical service use, further research is needed to understand relationships between trauma history and patterns of medical and mental health service use. Researchers also are encouraged to employ standardized definitions of trauma and to investigate new areas, such as treatment outcomes and mediators of trauma and health. Policy and practice implications are discussed.

Key Words: female veterans • gender • trauma • sexual assault • sexual abuse • physical assault • domestic violence • combat • PTSD • mental health • physical health • service use

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Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, Vol. 8, No. 4, 384-400 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1524838007307295
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A. Suris and L. Lind
Military Sexual Trauma: A Review of Prevalence and Associated Health Consequences in Veterans
Trauma Violence Abuse, October 1, 2008; 9(4): 250 - 269.
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