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Stopping Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls in the Military
Last week I wrote an article about stopping domestic violence against women and girls. I received an email from a reader telling me that one of the biggest problems in the US is happening among our military service members. He said that he saw constant signs of abuse while living in a local military town. I decided to do a little research and, sadly, found that he is indeed right.
According to a CBS News investigation more than 25,000 spouses and partners have been victims of domestic violence at the hands of their spouse or partner. Ninety of those have died. Within the ranks, one third of women and 6% of men say they have been victims of abuse. CBS’ investigation says that much of the abuse is occurring after service members return from Iraq and Afghanistan. My reader maintains it goes back further than that.
He says that his father, who did 2 tours in Vietnam, was a brutal man but, he maintains, that it’s more than being in combat. He believes that it is because these men and women are trained to be killers. Trained to fight and maim, they lose the ability to leave it outside the home bringing it home from the field with them.
Furthering the problem, say military family advocates, is the fact that the system is broken. Wives who are victims of domestic violence at the hand of their soldier spouse, fall through the cracks. One soldier who beat and raped his wife at gun point served only one night in jail, given extra duty, and ordered to sleep in the barracks. He had pleaded guilty to child abuse after beating his 3 month old daughter months earlier. When he attacked fellow soldiers and went AWOL three weeks later, the Army finally decided to press charges. His sentence? Seven years in a military prison.
In another situation a soldier recently returned from combat indicated on a questionnaire that he there was concern “for potential conflict with his spouse or family members.” Nothing was done and a year later he killed his wife.
In Kileen, Texas, where Fort Hood is located half the 2,500 domestic violence cases reported in the last year involved military personnel. Obviously, disturbing statistics.
So what can we do to stop domestic violence in the military? In October 2008, military members past and present staged a protest at Ft. Bragg, NC. Ft. Bragg command insisted that the current system works. One organization trying to bring change is Veterans for Peace. Michael McPhearson, executive director, said the military doesn’t do enough. “They don’t make it easy to get help,” he said. “The military needs to do more to protect its men and women.”
In that respect the Family Violence Prevention Fund sponsored by the Department of Defense gives these tips.
- Teach young people that violence is not acceptable.
- Promote general domestic violence awareness by talking to your friends and family about this issue.
- Offer your support and understanding – not your judgment – to a friend or family member that you may be concerned about.
- Support your friends and family by informing them of resources that can help them if they are experiencing problems in their relationships.
- Become active in domestic violence prevention activities on your installation or in your local community.
- Report to law enforcement or your local Family Advocacy Program if you suspect abuse by a military member.
If you know military service members or family members of service members who need help, these resources are also available.
Military OneSource 1-800-342-9647
www.militaryonesource.com
Military HOMEFRONT
www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
So what else can you do to help stop violence against women and girls? You can get involved in today’s Blogger’s Unite event supporting International Women’s Day by helping to educate the public. And, as always when talking about government issues, write your local Congressmen and help raise awareness. Our military members fight for us. Help fight for the women and girls that support them.
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Tee aka The Diva's Thoughts March 9th, 2009, 10:04 am
I had no idea.
Tee aka The Diva’s Thoughts´s last blog post..I Need Help
lisaq March 10th, 2009, 6:28 am
Very disturbing isn’t it Tee?