The Strengthening and Protecting Veteran Family Relationships research study examined programs and services that aim to strengthen couple relationships where one (or both) partners are current or ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members.

The study conducted focus groups with current or ex-serving ADF members and current or former partners of ADF members to:

• explore programs or services designed to strengthen couple relationships
• examine the suitability of relationship programs for ADF members and partners
• consider what changes could be made to programs to ensure they meet members’ needs.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) conducted this research with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs who funded and sponsored the study, supported by the Department of Defence.

The research team has shared insights from the study with a range of stakeholders to inform the design and delivery of policies, programs, and services for military and veteran families. Key findings have also been shared with research participants and other military and defence force family forums, in a way that did not reveal the identity of individual participants.

The research was approved by the Departments of Defence and Veterans’ Affairs Human Research Ethics Committee.

If you would like more information about the study, email: [email protected].