Strengthening Defence and Veteran Couple Relationships through Relationship Education
About the project
Current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and their families experience unique challenges in navigating the ADF lifestyle, and the transition to civilian life. These challenges, including frequent postings and separations, can place strain on couple relationships making them more vulnerable to relationship distress and breakdown.
DVA commissioned the Australian Institute of Family Studies to investigate what relationship interventions currently exist and how they might be adapted to address the distinctive needs of current and ex-serving ADF members and their partners. This occurred through:
- a review of the academic literature
- consultations with stakeholders involved in delivering support services
- focus groups with current and ex-serving ADF couples to discuss their needs and how interventions could be adapted to meet those needs.
In addition, a supplementary review was conducted focussed on assessing evidence on the effectiveness of Australian relationship education programs.
More Information
The initial project was completed in 2023:
Read a summary of findings (PDF 845 KB) or the final report (PDF 4.3 MB).
The supplementary project was completed in 2024:
Read the supplementary literature reports below.
Future application
Open Arms has engaged La Trobe University to tailor the CoupleCARE relationship education program to the Defence and veteran context through a process of co-design with lived experience representatives. A trial of the adapted CoupleCARE program will then be conducted within selected Open Arms regions.
The trial is anticipated to commence in mid-2026.
To find out more about available relationship education services, contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046.