Family violence: clinical indicators among military and post-military personnel

Child and spouse abuse continues to be a critically important problem for the medical and mental health professions. Examined are recent clinical data and research addressing this most serious concern among military and post-military personnel. Criteria useful in the identification of risk persons and diagnosis and treatment of family violence are discussed. Specific attention is given to the diagnostic indicators, the abusing family profile, the traumatic process of abuse, and strategies relevant to psychiatric intervention. Guidelines for military mental health and medical professionals are explored.