The aim of this literature review, conducted by Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH), was to provide information on gender differences across key mental health topics relevant to military personnel and veterans. These topics included the type and prevalence of mental health and related problems; treatment‑seeking attitudes and behaviours; treatment preferences; and access to, and barriers to, treatment.

Produced by the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing (AIHW), this report quantifies the level of suicide among serving and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel and identifies factors that may be associated with suicide risk. Analysis in the summary report examined each service-related characteristic associated with risk of suicide individually.

The aim of this research was to compare the prevalence of affective, anxiety and substance use disorders, and the use of mental health services, between respondents identifying with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) or the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the general population. The reserach used 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHW 2007) data (a nationally representative household survey of 8,841 respondents aged between 16 and 85).  

The Australian Government Department of Veterans' Affairs commissioned ORIMA Research to conduct a qualitative study on the experiences of self-employed veterans and the impact of self-employment on their wellbeing. The research aimed to inform policy and program improvements to support veteran wellbeing during their transition to civilian employment.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) to identify and synthesise existing research on older veterans, and their families’ experiences and needs in aged care. The project was commissioned to inform any future improvements to the way aged care is delivered to veterans and to identify gaps in understanding of the needs of older veterans and their families in aged care settings.

The Department of Veterans' Affairs commissioned Flinders University to undertake research into the experiences of ex-serving Australian Defence Force Personnel in corrective services systems in Australia. The research was conducted between 2021-2023 and includes interviews from incarcerated veterans in three jurisdictions (South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland).

This report is supplemented with a rapid evidence assessment: "What are the risk factors for ex-serving defence force personnel to enter corrective service systems in Australia and/or other relevant jurisdictions?" 

Support services available

The research report contains interviews and personal experiences about trauma, violence, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse and may be confronting and disturbing.

The following support services are available:

Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling - Call 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au

Lifeline - Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au

1800 Respect - Call 1800 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au

In Australian-first research, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) commissioned Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to examine the rates of intimate partner violence among current- and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel, using data collected in 2015 from a large-scale study of current (at the time) and recently (then) transitioned ADF personnel and their families.

For the purposes of this research, the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme data was used to:

• examine the rates of intimate partner violence within the Australian veteran community;
• identify vulnerable groups; and
• provide an understanding of the implications of intimate partner violence on help-seeking and service utilisation.

Findings from the study suggest an elevated number of veteran families having experienced IPV, identifying them as a vulnerable cohort. 

Future application

The findings highlight opportunities for continued action to address intimate partner violence in the veteran community, a national priority for the Australian Government and the DVA.

The research will inform and enhance work already underway, including DVA’s Family and Domestic Violence Strategy 2020-2025, the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032, and the Defence Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Family and Domestic Violence 2023-2028.

How can we support you

If you, or someone you know, is at risk of violence, call Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046. In an emergency, call triple zero (000).

The Department of Veterans' Affairs commissioned the University of Newcastle via its College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing – Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, to conduct a Horizon Scan of mental health and wellbeing service delivery, with a specific focus on veterans and families. The objective of the Horizon Scan was to identify trends, threats, opportunities, drivers of change and alternative approaches for the department's Mental Health and Wellbeing Services Division (MHWSD) and the broader mental health, wellbeing and veteran and family support sectors, in order to inform the work of the MHWSD Service Review and Transformation Program.

The Horizon Scan was conducted between April and November 2022, and included consultation with representatives from the veteran community (including families), veteran support organisations, academia, government, and professional experts and organisations.

The aim of this project was to review the literature in relation to how moral injury is conceptualised, models of moral injury, linkages between moral injury and common mental health issues, and the effectiveness of moral injury interventions in veteran and military populations.

In order to answer these questions, a narrative literature review and a REA were conducted.

This Rapid Evidence Assessment investigates the research literature analysing the risk factors for ex-serving personnel entering corrective services systems in Australia and/or other relevant jurisdictions. The report examines and synthesises recent research evidence regarding risk factors for entry into corrective services systems by ex-serving personnel across the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.