It is now 2011 and Domestic violence is not the taboo issue that our mothers and fathers had to deal with during their younger times. It was a concern for past generations as it is a concern with ours. We are simply more open and able to address its severity. This article unfortunately caught my eye because I have seen this behavior in many returning Veterans. These are men and women who have never once thought about placing their hands on their loved ones, and now find themselves engulfed in anger and violence. http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/12902.aspxAccording to the research one in the Veterans Administration (VA), a male veterans with PTSD is two to three times more likely than veterans without PTSD to engage in intimate partner violence. To take that at face value is difficult to say the least. They are not saying that all veterans with PTSD are going to commit domestic violence. What they are saying is that simply returning from the war with PTSD is not enough to ensure a healthy reintegration in a family life. The VA is currently arranging couples retreats, family vacations, relationship counseling seminars, and various other programs to ensure that this does not spiral out of control. The VA is making a statement and asking a question at the same time "Are we going to let this happen to those who put it all on the line? Or are we going to help them get back to a life they remember?" Domestic Violence is a scary thought and I am glad to see that the Veterans Administration is trying to open eyes and make these programs they are organizing happen.
Michael, after reading your post, I am convicted of how much we as humans and believers, take things for granted. When you asked the question, "are we going to let this happen to those who put it all on the line? Or are we going to help them get back to a life they remember? my heart was torn, recognizing how much love, support, encouragement, help, and CONNECTING these men and women need. I can't begin to imagine what all you have seen and experience fighting for this country, but know that I am praying that the Lord can continue to heal and restore you in such a way that you may be able to care for these hurting souls. I too believe is important for us all to recognize the need that this population is has and begin to be intentional in providing care to the brave men and women that come back from war like yourself. Thank you, and know that I am challenged to think through how I can come along side people and help them get back to a life they remembered. Hope you are feeling better, know our 502 class has kept you in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI happen to be doing a lot of research on PTSD. However I am looking at adults who have it because they were chronically abused as children. You are right those with PTSD do have a high rate in chances of being abusers. When I was reading Crabb's Effective Biblical Counseling book I came across the section where he talked about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and how it works with Biblical principles. This is important to have in mind when thinking of the plight of someone with PTSD. I think in the person with PTSD they feel threaten in every area all at once and they are stuck in fight or flight mode. Until someone can make them truly understand in their soul or maybe even their spirit that they are safe they will keep either running from or fighting the war in their heads. Only now their love ones are hazy and start to look just like the enemy to them.
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