Programs for Abused Soldiers

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 21:23:38 -0400

The Army is great for abused spouses, or even putting abused Soldiers in the barracks. They remove the Soldier, place him/her in the barracks or else detain them by the MPs. But what happens when the Soldier, who has a child, is the abused?

I was an abused spouse. I REFUSED to get MPs involved for fear of getting taken to the barracks and leave my child in the care of the abuser. The MPs told me NOT to call them, when I spoke with them "unofficially", because that is what would happen. I worked with the Victim Advocates in ACS. I had to create and maintain a bug-out-bag and leave it at work. I had to have the money to pay for an indefinite stay in a hotel, up front (we found out later that I could get reimbursed by ACS). There were no emergency services for me. I was on my own.

I was activating my safety plan when my spouse called me and made suicidal comments, which spurred me to call 911 and she ended up getting transported to a local mental health ward, and charged with Reckless Endangerment and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

My question is this? Why did I have to wait so long? Deal with continual abuse, until there was enough to get a restraining order against her. Unless a court removes the dependent from the home, there is nothing for us to do. The MPs will remove the Soldier in virtually all scenarios, for the Soldiers safety. I had to keep my Child Protective Services liason's card, so that if I did have to call the MPs, they could contact her and she would tell them to remove me with my son and put us somewhere safe (i.e., take us to the hotel, again, out of my pocket).

We need a program for the Soldier, who has a child, when the Soldier is the victim of abuse...any thoughts?

Response by 1SG Jeffrey Bergeron made Jun 7 at 2014 9:53 PM

1SG Jeffrey Bergeron — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 21:53:21 -0400

I agree that the Army does place the Soldier in the barracks quick, fast and in a hurry. However the CRC panel which will point the finger at the actual abuser. It is also the chain of commands decision , if the Soldier is not the abuser than the civilian police would have to get involved, and a social worker which they have on post and off post. I am not sure I am help you with this challenge you have.