Role of Domestic Violence in Military Context

Role of Domestic Violence in Military Context

Introduction

Domestic Violence has been raising its ugly head in the context of Military sector for a long while in USA. Many people believe that Domestic Violence only has a physical consequence but that is not the case. Domestic Violence has been known to have a number of Psychological consequences which remain etched in the victim's memory for a long time (Erwin, 2007). Domestic Violence is considered a national problem since it has a far reaching effect on socio economic, racial and cultural context. A look at the National Statistics reveals that there has been a rapid surge in the cases of Domestic Violence especially in the context of Military circles. The policy makers need to give immediate attention to this issue (U.S Department of Defense, 2012).

The injuries which people suffer are more psychological in nature instead of physical. The stigma of being a victim of Domestic Violence has a psychological impact on the respective person. His thought processes become flawed. His mindset gets utterly disturbed.

It has been observed that policy makers ignore the emotional and psychological effect of domestic violence. As a result the victims are not properly understood and consoled in a proper manner. All programs aimed at alleviating concerns of Domestic Violence victims have failed miserably. A considerable number of victims are scared and are afraid to discuss the trauma which they have gone through. The threat of Domestic Violence has long been associated with the American society. Although substantial efforts have been taken by policy makers to tackle this threat, these measures have failed to win the trust of affected people. In the recent years, many programs have been initiated to minimize the effect domestic violence has had on people.

The victims have not been completely satisfied with the progress of these programs. In fact there has been a surge in the incidents of domestic violence which shows that these programs have not been able to achieve the desired results. Many surveys are carried out and after getting the information, nothing is implemented in true letter and spirit. Victims do not feel secure even after being subjected to frightful incidents of Domestic Violence.

Discussion

Focus on Psychological Concerns

By studying and analyzing the experiences of domestic violence victims in the military, Civilian Therapists will be able to treat the civilian victims in a much better way. Their perceptions about the current programs being applied would help them in improving the programs. There has been growing consensus that the current programs have failed to incorporate the psychological effect. The programs thus far implemented have only looked at the physical aspect and thereby ignoring the psychological and emotional context. Victims have been complaining that the current programs do not understand them and do not console them in a better way. This is because their psychological needs are not being addressed in an appropriate manner.

First of all Civil Therapists would have to incorporate the role of Psychological consequences ...