For decades, researchers have been examining the post-conflict effects of the Vietnam War on veterans, and clear links have been established between the trauma of combat and increased rates of domestic violence and child abuse, unemployment, homelessness, gun ownership, addition disorder ” and criminal behavior.

The NY Times has comprised a series of articles and multimedia about veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars who have either committed or have been charged with murder. The Times has found 121 cases such cases. Three quarters of the accused veterans were still in the military, and more than half of the crimes involved guns. Approximately 1/3 of the victims were girlfriends or spouses, children, or other relatives. Another quarter of the victims were fellow service members.

The absence of defined combat barriers and successive tours of duty have increased the stresses of combat. There has been a focus in the media on veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder upon returning home from duty, but other psychological issues are springing up. According to a Pentagon task force, 38 percent of soldiers and 31 percent of marines have reported mental health problems.

The solution? End the war. United for Peace and Justice and Iraqmoratorium.org discuss what you can do today to help end the occupation. Click here to take action: