Harmed in Service

There are documented experiences of abuse, exclusion and institutional failure within the Australian Defence Force, and the lasting effects of these experiences have immense impacts on veteran identity, wellbeing and trust.

Our research recognises that this harm does not necessarily end when service does. Its impact can continue through relationships, health, employment and the often difficult process of seeking recognition, accountability or support.

Understanding these experiences is difficult, but involves looking beyond individual incidents to the systems, cultures and responses that can allow harm to occur, or compound it afterwards.

We invite you to hear these perspectives with an open mind, and consider what it takes not only to acknowledge institutional harm, but to respond to it with greater responsibility, care and lasting change.

If this has brought up anything for you, please visit our Learn More page to find support services that best fit your needs and circumstances.

key Findings

Transitioning to civilian life is an ongoing process that can unfold differently for every person, sometimes over many years.
Recovery is rarely only clinical. It can also depend on connection, understanding, recognition and the opportunity to make sense of experiences that are difficult to
What do we miss when Veteran Suicide is understood only through the lens of mental health?
As researchers, we know that understanding veteran suicide requires us to look closely to the people living with its consequences.