These summaries were written by SVPEP staff and are based on original papers published within the last 2 years. The information available on this web site is provided as a public service and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the Arizona Department of Health Services, or the University of Arizona. To conduct an individual search or locate older articles use the Search Summary Database which includes over 600 articles related to sexual violence.

David, W., Simpson, T. & Cotton, A. (2006). Taking charge: A pilot curriculum of self-defense and personal safety training for female veterans with PTSD because of military sexual trauma. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 21, 555-565. [Posted October 2006]

Key Points: Participation in a self-defense/personal safety intervention reduced symptoms of PTSD and depression among female veterans who had experienced sexual assault and sexual trauma in the military.

Summary: A group of twelve female veterans (average age 48.3 years) in treatment for PTSD at a VA hospital participated in this 12-week, 36-hour pilot treatment program. Each three-hour group session included one hour of psychoeducation and role-play; one hour of physical self-defense training with a male and a female instructor, and one hour of debriefing. Three female psychologists were present throughout each session. Data was collected from ten women: twice before the intervention, immediately after completion, and at three and six months after. Significant changes lasting over time included: being able to better identify risky vs. safe situations; less avoidance of social situations to avoid triggering memories; less hyperarousal; less depression; and increased self-efficacy. A strong bond developed among participants which may have helped all twelve complete the program.

Limitations: This study had a small sample size of self-selected participants who were carefully screened for psychological and physical stability. Further studies should be done to determine if equally positive results are found in other groups.

Topics: military; survivors; treatment

Kimerling, R., Street, A. E., Gima, K., & Smith, M.W. (2008).  Evaluation of universal screening for military-related sexual trauma.  Psychiatric Services, 59, 635-640. [Posted August 2008]
 
Key Points: Universal screening may play an important role in secondary prevention efforts for military sexual trauma. 

Summary: In 2005, 33,259 women and 540,381 men were screened for military sexual trauma which the Veterans Health Administration refers to military sexual trauma as severe or threatening forms of sexual harassment and sexual assault sustained in military service.  The purpose of the study was to evaluate screening efforts and to explore if there was association with increased use of mental health services and sexual trauma screening.  Women and men who had positive screens had higher rates of post screen mental health treatment. The screens increased utilization of mental health services among individuals without a history of mental health treatment.

Limitations: The study does not show a causal relationship between screening and use of mental health services. 

Topics: evaluation, medical response, military

Schultz, J., Bell, K., Naugle, A., Polusny, M. (2006). Child sexual abuse and adulthood sexual assault among military veteran and civilian women. Military Medicine, 171, 723-728. [Posted October 2006]

Key Points: Female veterans were more likely to report having been sexually assaulted as an adult than civilian women. Among those who were sexually abused as children (under age 14), veteran women were more likely to have been abused by a parental figure. 

Summary: Both veteran women (N=142) and non-veteran women (N=81) from community settings completed questionnaires about their experiences of child sexual abuse, adult sexual victimization, and adult sexual assault. More than twice as many veteran women (48.9%) reported adult sexual assault than community women (21.5%). Veteran women and community women reported similar levels of child sexual abuse (48.6% and 43.2% respectively), but veteran women were much more likely to have been sexually abused by a parental figure (91.9% vs. 10%). The authors recommend screening women in the military to assist those who may have been sexually traumatized, and development of a sexual assault prevention program for all women entering the military.

Limitations: Because women with a history of sexual violence may have been more likely to complete the questionnaire, rates of reported sexual violence may be higher than in a general population.

Topics: military; survivors

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Updated 09/19/08