This unique research project is supported by a £300,000 award from the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, as part of their Transformational Grants programme. We are working closely with our Research Partners, the CASEVAC Club, to ensure the research meets the needs of the people who need it the most.
The aim of the project is to empower wounded Veterans worldwide, both now and in the future, enabling them to forge fulfilling and satisfying romantic and sexual relationships post-injury.
Today, over 130 Veterans have genital or perineal scarring as a result of their Service in Iraq and Afghanistan: another 300 have had traumatic or surgical amputations. But while we provide prosthetics and physiotherapy to these injured Veterans, we avoid discussing the impact such trauma can have on their romantic and sexual lives.
Genital and intimate scarring is shrouded in a veil of taboo, shame, stigma and embarrassment. We know from previous research undertaken by researchers from the University of the West of England as part of our Centre for Conflict Wound Research, that many members of the Armed Forces struggle to reconcile their identity as a “super soldier" with visible difference and disability. Many feel self-conscious about their new appearance, which can make it difficult to form and maintain romantic relationships. And depending on the injury itself, some Veterans can experience a low libido and difficulties with erectile function.
Together, these problems can contribute to low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
At present, there are no resources available to help Veterans (or civilians with similar intimate or genital scarring) cope with these sensitive issues. This vital research will fill that gap.
