Comments on: Court created for veterans

By: David Paul

David Paul — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 13:47:41 +0000

The main problem is that the public has no understanding of what PTSD does to the mind of the combat soldier.The military has failed miserably in diagnosing and treating PTSD. Psychotherapy is not effective in treating PTSD and has failed in helping our Vietnam veterans during the past 40 years. Soldiers failing drug tests on Base are given a less-than-honorable discharge. They are thrown into the street like garbage. They are courageous warriors who have been to HELL and back protecting America, our freedom and our way of justice. The military trained our soldiers to be “ruthless killers” and they learned well. They can fly home and 24 hours later these warriors are expected to act civilized. It will never happen. Their minds are still on the battefield and now everyone is still their enemy. It is time to wake up and give our heroes the justice they fought for. If you truly want to understand and help the soldier with PTSD I strongly recommend buying the DVD “OPERATION: Emotional Freedom”. It is available in Ingrid Ditner’s website http://ingriddinter.com/ I am an EFT Coach and have been very successful in working with Vietnam veterans. I meet them on a warrior level and eliminate their guilt and emotional reaction to the combat memories. I provide this service at no cost.
It is time we showed some compassion for our courageous warriors. Their treatment in your courts is a disgrace.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:59:18 +0000

There have been many studies published on the correlation between PTSD and Intimate Partner Violence. This is a very complex issue, and not one that is easily remedied. I highly recommend to anyone interested in this issue that you read “Intimate partner violence among military veterans and active duty servicemen,” by Amy D. Marshall, Jillian Panuzio, and Casey T. Taft. You can find the article at http://www.sciencedirect.com. The article describes how there is a high correlation between PTSD and Intimate Partner Violence, but does not confirm a causal relationship. The article also finds that “standard treatments are ineffective for active duty servicemen.”

In another article titled, “A growing problem for veterans — domestic violence,” (http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/12902.aspx) experts recommend concurrent treatment for PTSD and Intimate Partner Violence, describing that through community collaboration we have a good shot at increasing offender accountability and victim safety.

If the goal of the Veteran Court is to help soldiers, it should do so by addressing ALL issues at hand, including Intimate Partner Violence and even drug and alcohol treatment. The veteran’s family should have a strong voice in court, since they are also affected by the veteran’s mental health and domestic violence issues. Holistic services are needed if we hope to affect change in the veteran and help him/her to be a healthy member of society.

By: Michael Bryant

Michael Bryant — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:18:27 +0000

One way for veterans to get involved in helping the Veteran Trauma Court is the Veteran Peer Specialist Program. Peer Specialists are military veterans who volunteer to act as mentors and provide one-on-one support to veterans that are participating in the Trauma Court. It is a great opportunity for volunteers to make a powerful difference in the lives of fellow veterans and have a positive impact on our community. If you are interested in becoming a Peer Specialist, please contact Michael Bryant from Mental Health America of Pikes Peak Region at (719) 633-4601 Ext. 113 or email at mbryant@pppartnership.org.

Michael Bryant
Veteran Peer Specialist Volunteer Coordinator

By: Buddy Gilmore

Buddy Gilmore — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 19:53:54 +0000

Connie Brachtenbach is correct that this is a “complex, nuanced issue”. However, there is certainly an unequivical correlation between PTSD and male perpetuated domestic violence (DV). As an example, the National Vietnam Veteran’s Readjustment Study (1992) found that “one third of [Vietnam Veterans] with PTSD engaged in intimate partner violence over the previous year, compared with a 13.5% rate for those without PTSD.” In addition, researchers with the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are now studying the relationship between PTSD and DV among vets of the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Early evidence indicates that the development of posttraumatic psychopathology, and particularly PTSD, is strongly associated with the development of vioence and abusive behavior in relationships. Early results also show that combat exposure, as well as perceived war danger, correlates to higher incidences of DV, primarily due to PTSD symptoms.

PTSD should not be used as an “excuse” for DV; rather it should be an indicator to connect justice involved veterans with treatment whenever appropriate.

With regards to funding, the current 4th District Veteran’s Treatment Court is running on a very small grant. Bills at the federal level (HR 2138 and SB 902) are designed to provide additional grants to Veteran’s Treatment Courts around the country; funding comes from VA and DoD budgets.

Buddy Gilmore
National Association of Drug Court Professionals.

By: Mike Pierson

Mike Pierson — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:31:21 +0000

Is there a way that veterans can get involved in helping to run Veterans Court? Please post contact information. Thanks