Thursday, July 26, 2012

Violent Veterans - Mental Health Impact


Mental illness of Veterans is not being appropriately recognised.  New research shows that one in ten soldiers returning from combat are displaying increased violent behaviour, both in the home and the community. Listen here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01l0fkc/  . 

Over recent decades thousands of British troops have been deployed to conflict war zones.   With two years to go before front-line troops are withdrawn from Afghanistan, the numbers will grow.  Research is now confirming that one in ten returning soldiers - are displaying increased levels of violence.  Others have committed suicide.  This situation is seen through increasing domestic abuse and violence in the wider community.  

Owing to a failure to recognise and address the symptoms, many are ending up in prison!  When will this change?  Alternatives to prison with increased levels of support are urgently required.