Self-harm and Attempted Suicide
among UK Armed Forces Personnel
Results
indicated a lifetime
prevalence of 5.6% for intentional self-harm or attempted suicide. Intentional self-harm was associated with
psychological morbidity (in particular, post-traumatic stress disorder) and
adverse experiences in childhood. Ex-service
personnel reported lifetime prevalence more than double that of serving
personnel (10.5% vs 4.2%, respectively), indicating that life after service was
particularly difficult.
Importantly, the research indicated
that a lifetime prevalence of 5.6% for attempted suicide and self-harm was
higher than previous research had suggested.
Furthermore, it highlighted that younger service personnel, those who
have experienced adversity in childhood, those with other psychological
morbidity and ex-service personnel are more likely to report self-harm
behaviours.
Combat
Stress has suggested that we are facing a potential tsunami, with upwards of
50,000 veterans suffering mental health illness. One is left asking why these increases are
occurring and why so many individuals are being failed. Whilst
those with physical injuries are receiving the best possible initial care and
support, those with mental health issues are clearly being let down. As a consequence, many are also experiencing
family breakdown, the wider care and health costs of which will continue to rise!
Official Defence Analytical and
Advice (DASA) Figures -
The MOJ estimates
that approximately 75% - 80% of prisoners suffer with some degree of mental health
illness. This condition is particularly
relevant for veterans.
In Sep 10 DASA
research indicated that the percentage of military veterans in custody was approximately
4% of the total prison population - 3,500.
This research was based upon two incomplete data base that were not
originally intended for cross referencing. Furthermore, the figures did not include
Scotland and NI, Reservists or Early Service Leavers (ESLs).
Critically,
the original research represented only a snap shot of the numbers on a given date. Importantly, it failed to recognise the fluid
nature of the prison population with approximately 150,000 prisoners entering and
leaving custody each year. Using the
DASA figures against the flow of prisoners, suggests that 6,000 veterans could
have entered custody during 2010.
More recent
anecdotal evidence from various prisons suggests that veteran prisons numbers have
increased and range between 6% and 8%. As
examples, approximately 11% of prisoners in HMP Leyhill are veterans. In HMP Exeter there are currently 23
veterans (4.5%), of whom 60% have been diagnosed with PTSD.
Similar evidence
is being identified by Probation. When
recognising an annual Probation Service Managed Offender Group of 241,000
offenders, the overall numbers of veterans on Community Orders could be as many
as 12,000 – 14,000.
When
combining prison and probation numbers, it is not unreasonable to suggest that the
average annual total entering and leaving the CJS is in excess of 18,000. Once again, these numbers do not include Scotland,
NI, reservists or those less than 18 yrs of age that may include ESLs. In addition, it is estimated that 10% -12% of
the homeless population are veterans. Many
of these will end up being involved in criminal activity and alcohol /
substance misuse.
Armed Forces Covenant - Extract from
the MOD Web Site
‘The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the
Nation, the State and the Armed Forces.
It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the Armed Forces and their families, and
it establishes how they should expect to be treated.
It exists to redress the disadvantages
that the Armed Forces community faces in comparison to other citizens, and to
recognise sacrifices made. In some
cases this will require special consideration, especially for those who have
given the most such as the injured and the bereaved.
The principle behind the Covenant is that the Armed Forces Community should not face disadvantage because of its
military experience. In some cases, such
as the sick, injured or bereaved, this means giving special consideration to
enable access to public or commercial services that civilians wouldn’t
receive. The Covenant covers
issues from housing and education to support after Service. It is
crucial to the Government that it, and the nation, recognises the unique and
immense sacrifices military personnel / veterans have made for their country.’
Summary
The number
of veterans suffering with various levels of mental health issues, inflicting
self-harm, experiencing family breakdown and entering the criminal justice
system is growing and represents a particularly unique group of service users. The majority have faced significant dangers
and pressures, often putting their lives on the line in defence of the country. Within the spirit enshrined within the Armed
Forces Covenant, they and their families deserve better. Like those with multiple physical injuries,
they need access to specialist intervention and rehabilitation programmes, not
simply punitive punishment; they have surely been punished enough!
Providing
access to such provision will enable the majority to quickly change their
lives, gain employment, re-establish family links and again become the proud
and worthy citizens they once were. In
times of severe austerity, it would also provide a relatively simple ‘Win’
‘Win’ financial outcome.
Veterans Change
Partnership
Working in
the spirit of the Devon Community Covenant, here in Devon efforts are being
made to establish a new partnership, The Veterans Change Partnership, with
the aim of providing appropriate re-habilitation courses and alternatives to
custody and probation for veterans. The
organisations currently expressing interest include:-
Alabare’
Christian Care and Support
CTCRM
Devon and
Cornwall Probation Trust
Devon County Council
Exeter City
Council
Devon PCT
Exeter City
YMCA
Gilead
Grow4Good SW Ltd
Homemaker
House of Heroes
Hush Farms Ltd
Job Centre
Plus
Life Change Initiative
NOMS / HMP Service
Occombe
Farm
PTSD Resolution
Shekinah
St Loyes Trust
The Langley
House Trust
Torbay
Council
The Warrior
Programme
The
programme would include an intensive residential phase of personal development,
life, functional and social skills training, followed by peer mentored support
into accommodation, further training and work.
Recognising
veterans and their families as a unique and particularly deserving user group,
the concept meets the spirit enshrined within the Military and Community
Covenants, the Safer Community Partnership and Families agendas.
Importantly,
with their background in training and personal discipline, when placed in the
right environment, this group of offenders would be particularly suitable for
such a programme, enabling them to quickly return to productive work and lives.
The keys to
starting the programme are political support at a local level and initial pump
priming finance, all of which is being sought.
