Written by: Chloe Pennington
In Part 1, Food Insecurity and Its Connection to IPV in Military Communities, we examined how food insecurity and intimate partner violence intersect within military-connected families. Recognizing this relationship is critical; however, awareness alone may not be enough. Providers must also be equipped with tangible tools, strategies, and resources to respond effectively. By integrating this awareness into IPV-informed care, providers can address not only immediate food access concerns but also strengthen safety, enhance family stability, and promote long-term well-being.
Trauma-Informed Language
Before introducing screening tools and resource guidance, it’s important to address the tone of these conversations. Research increasingly shows that using trauma-informed language helps establish safety, creating an environment that encourages honest disclosure (Hart et al., 2024). The use of judgmental or deficit-based language may unintentionally contribute to shame, while intentional, person-first language communicates dignity and empowerment. In the context of the military, framing concerns as external stressors such as relocations, employment disruptions, or benefit delays rather than personal shortcomings can also greatly reduce stigma.
Trauma-informed language often requires small but intentional shifts in phrasing. Consider the difference between common responses and trauma-informed alternatives:
- “Why didn’t you reach out sooner?”
- > “I’m glad you’re here. You and your family deserve support.”
- “You’ll need to budget better.”
- > “Given everything you’re managing, it makes sense that stretching resources feels overwhelming. Let’s explore options together.”
Although subtle, these adjustments can have a significant impact on psychological safety (Hart et al., 2024).
Normalize Conversations and Screening Around Food Access and IPV
For many military-connected professionals, screening is a routine and essential part of engaging with families. Early identification allows providers to intervene before stressors escalate into safety concerns and can help identify those that would’ve been missed otherwise (Cutts & Cook, 2017). Integrating food security and IPV screening into standard practice may support a more holistic understanding of family stability, stress, and vulnerability.
To make these conversations feel supportive and routine rather than formal or intimidating, providers can use brief, validated screening questions. One widely used tool for assessing food insecurity is the Hunger Vital Sign:
- “Within the past 12 months, we worried whether our food would run out before we got money to buy more.” (Often/Sometimes/Never)
- “Within the past 12 months, the food we bought just didn’t last, and we didn’t have money to get more.” (Often/Sometimes/Never)
Similarly, IPV assessment is most effective when approached universally and within a clearly defined context of safety. Universal screening asks all clients about general relationship safety, not just those perceived to be at risk, helping to normalize the conversation and include every family. Universal education complements screening by providing brief, evidence-informed conversation guides about healthy relationships and available resources, regardless of disclosure (Todahl et al., 2020).
When food insecurity and relationship safety are explored together, providers are able to gain a comprehensive picture to inform care planning and connect families with appropriate support.
Enhancing Resource Awareness and Access
Although providers cannot resolve systemic drivers of food insecurity or intimate partner violence on their own, they play a critical role in identifying risk, reducing harm, and connecting families to meaningful support. Familiarity with installation-specific and local community resources, such as food banks, benefits specialists, Military Family Advocacy specialists, and spousal employment support services, allows providers to respond quickly and effectively when needs are identified.
Whenever possible, providers can:
- Facilitate “warm handoffs” to trusted partners
- Assist with benefit or program applications
- Schedule follow-ups and check-ins to address progress and barriers
These efforts help build a more coordinated response network that supports immediate needs and long-term stability, letting families know they are not alone in their challenges.
Reframe Food Security as a Pathway to Safety and Stability
Food security is not simply about maintaining a full pantry. It is about reducing chronic stress, stabilizing relationships, and increasing a family’s capacity for safety, connection, and long-term planning. Supporting food security and nutrition readiness is therefore integral to violence prevention, not separate from it.
For more information on how you can holistically support military families, see the linked resources below.
Resources:
- Webinar, Strengthening Food Security and Nutrition Readiness in the Force https://oneop.org/learn/160074/
- Webinar, Balancing Military Spouse Employment with Family Economic Well-Being https://oneop.org/learn/160050/
- Series, Nutrition and Food Security https://oneop.org/nutrition-and-food-security/
References
- Cutts, D., & Cook, J. (2017). Screening for Food Insecurity: Short-Term Alleviation and Long-Term Prevention. American journal of public health, 107(11), 1699–1700.
- Hart, L., Bliton, J. N., Castater, C., Beard, J. H., & Smith, R. N. (2024). Trauma-informed language as a tool for health equity. Trauma surgery & acute care open, 9(1), e001558.
- Todahl, J., Nekkanti, A., & Schnabler, S. (2020). Universal Screening and Education: A Client-Centered Protocol for Normalizing Intimate Partner Violence Conversation in Clinical Practice. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 19(4), 322–346.
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV from Pexels
