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Comment by mc32 | Hacker News Reader

>And the explanation here is often the aftermath of war, soldiers who've learned to kill coming home.

I don't think the stats bear that out. Veterans may suffer PTSD and other ailments, but I don't think they contribute disproportionally to US crime statistics.

Brazil hasn't been at war recently, but they have high crime rate.

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> Brazil hasn't been at war recently

I wonder if drug trafficking and the global drug war counts? I mean it's in some ways even more violent, but I guess then I'm mixing up cause and effect... interesting to think about.

Violence begets violence?

They do commit more crimes then average population. And some of that is due to untreated PTSD and due to too little help in adjusting to civilian life.

How many of those are theft or violence with victims, and how many of those are more like drug/alcohol infractions, or "disorderly conduct" caused by untreated mental health problems?

Afaik, there is more violence too. Yes, often caused by untreated mental health problems. Also more suicides. Combat situation tends to make mental health problems bigger in pretty much any aspect. It is not exactly easy or healthy situation to be in.

Veterans also face negative stereotypes which does not help anything either. Pro veteran groups tend to talk about all those openly, as they want to get more help to veterans before it all happens.

What are the negative stereotypes of ex service personnel?

I wouldn't exactly say I have my thumb on the pulse of Australia, but I don't seem to observe a negative stereotype for ex service personnel here.

I have personally seen prospects designed to combat negative stereotypes of veterans in American government office (employment office - don't recall exact name). The primary goal seemed to be to make employers more likely to hire them.

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