Trauma among justice-involved veterans

Authors

Stephanie Hartwell, University of Massachusetts BostonFollow
Amy James, University of Connecticut
Jie Chen, University of Massachusetts BostonFollow
Debra A. Pinals, Department of Mental Health
Martha C. Marin, Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
David Smelson, University of Massachusetts Medical School

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2014

Abstract

This report examines the challenges faced by justice-involved veterans and their experience of trauma. Using 153 consecutive admissions to veteran-specific jail diversion programs in 2 states (Connecticut and Massachusetts), we present demographic, military history, behavioral health, and criminal history data on veterans in relationship to self-reports of trauma. Our results reveal a sample of veterans with a history of contact with the criminal justice system that have high reported rates of trauma, in particular, before the age of 18. Understanding the complex trauma history of justice-involved veterans is essential for providing appropriate and holistic treatment and informed policy responses.

Comments

Published in Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 45(6), Dec, 2014. Special Issue: Research on Psychological Issues and Interventions for Military Personnel, Veterans, and Their Families. pp. 425-432.

Recommended Citation

Hartwell, Stephanie; James, Amy; Chen, Jie; Pinals, Debra A.; Marin, Martha C.; and Smelson, David, "Trauma among justice-involved veterans" (2014). Sociology Faculty Publication Series. 14.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/sociology_faculty_pubs/14

Publisher

Professional Psychology: Research and Practice