Doesn’t AOT put too much focus on violence by mentally ill persons? How would this program address the issue of stigma?
Violence is just one of many repercussions of New Jersey’s outmoded treatment law, but it is one that resonates among the general public. Providing consistent treatment to individuals in need and preventing the tragedies that too often accompany nontreatment is the most cogent way to address stigma. The reality is that until New Jersey has a law that ensures treatment for the most ill, tragedies will continue to occur and continue to color society’s perception of the most severely mentally ill. But focusing solely on AOT’s role in reducing violence is also a mistake. AOT has also been shown to reduce homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, suicide and victimization – all very real consequences of untreated severe mental illness.
Related Questions
- Doesn’t AOT put too much focus on violence by mentally ill persons? How would this program address the issue of stigma?
- Why is it that the document doesn’t address real issues like violence, religious freedom, women’s issues, democracy, etc...?
- Instead of proposing a sales tax, why doesn’t the City cut its budget to address the issue?
