As many readers will know, over the last 5 years, here in Devon we have been developing
a project (The Veterans Change Partnership).
Based upon a proven residential programme of personal development and
change, it is specifically intended to help rehabilitate and support veteran
offenders and their families - http://www.lifechangeinitiative.com/militaryveteranoffenders.html#axzz2ndB4fYc9
.
The partnership of over 30 public, private and voluntary
sector organisations included support from Local Authorities, the NHS, Police,
Probation and JCP. Despite this, our
application to the Armed Forces Covenant LIBOR fund to establish the programme
was recently turned down; the project was clearly not considered sufficiently
worthy.
The panel responsible included representatives from some of
the leading military charities. Sadly,
the outdated and punitive belief that punishment promotes positive change
and behaviour remains extant. I fear that until those
in positions of authority are able to understand that such an approach merely re-enforces
the negative thoughts and feelings of
the offender and fails to address the underlying needs, little will change.
It is to be very much hoped that the Sgt Blackman case will
serve as a catalyst in helping to promote increased awareness and much needed
positive change.
2 comments:
The case of Marine Sgt Blackman is one of a number of military cases that draw attention to the dilemma of conviction and sentencing. Trauma induced stress can cause diminished responsibility, whether at the time of the trauma or if triggered by events long after the trauma and should be taken into account when convicting and sentencing. Another recent case took no account of the soldier’s state of mind despite two separate psychiatric diagnoses of PTSD. Other dimensions to the problem include trauma from earlier life, multiple trauma, and learning difficulties. Clearly the courts cannot appear to condone serious offences, but there is scope for discussion about whether diminished responsibility and the need for effective treatment should be taken into account when convicting and sentencing. Where should that discussion take place?
Tony Gauvain, Chairman, PTSD Resolution (www.ptsdresolution.org)
Many thanks for your participation.
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