The Prevalence of Physical and Sexual Abuse in Women Veterans Seeking Care at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Physical and sexual abuse are increasingly recognized as common harmful experiences for women. We surveyed 828 women veterans seeking care at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center to determine the prevalence of physical and sexual abuse experiences, both during and outside of military service. Data were collected through an anonymous, mailed questionnaire, with a response rate of 52%. Sixty-eight percent of respondents reported at least one form of abuse, and 27% reported all three. Sexual abuse was most common (55%), followed by physical abuse (48%), and rape (41%). Enlisted women, women younger than 50, and single, separated, or divorced women were significantly more likely to report abusive experiences. Over 40% of the women reporting abuse were never victimized while on active duty, and these women were less likely to receive counseling. Physical and sexual abuse experiences are disturbingly common among women veterans and demonstrate the need for additional services to assist these women.