War’s end can signal new beginnings for a couple – or a relationship’s end.
Divorce rates in Australia rose dramatically in the years immediately following both world wars and some 38% of Vietnam veterans’ marriages failed within 6 months of their repatriation.
Veterans of modern wars continue to struggle. Without support, some individuals – restless, traumatised or alienated – may neglect, abuse or desert their significant others.
Long periods of self-sufficiency, meanwhile, may give their spouses confidence to contemplate life alone.
ON LOAN COURTESY OF THE AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL ART22893
Reviewed 07 February 2022