Oceana Takes a Stand Against Domestic Violence

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Dressed in purple or their Navy Working Uniform, nearly 150 active duty, Department of Defense civilians and family members took a stand against domestic violence during a photo opportunity at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana flightline Oct. 12.

Volunteers formed a human ribbon in front of an F/A-18 Super Hornet to show their support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

"It's the first time we tried something of this size, this complicated. It's awesome. It's making a statement against domestic violence. It's making a statement for awareness," said NAS Oceana Commanding Officer (CO) Capt. Bob Geis, who along with Capt. Kit Chope, executive officer (XO), were among the volunteers.

"Awareness is important, so if we can understand the threat, if we can understand what's going on, we can better prevent it in the future," said Geis.

"This shows everyone that we won't stand for it," added Chope.

The idea for the human ribbon began back in August as a suggestion for a photo opportunity with the FFSC staff and the CO and XO in front of one of the vintage aircraft at the Aviation Historical Park on Oceana, explained Terra Flahardy, domestic abuse victim advocate.

"It kind of snow-balled from there. We thought maybe we could intermix military with civilians in purple. We thought it would catch a lot of attention and do a lot of outreach at the same time," said Flahardy, adding "It's been a labor of love for sure."

One of the volunteers in the photo was Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Phurtura Brazier from the Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Site Oceana. "I was nominated by my work center to participate in the photograph. I was honored to be chosen but even more so for the cause. After I found out what we were doing, I thought it would be a great way to show that this command, the Sailors and civilians as a whole, are standing up for a great cause," Brazier said.

Fox was pleased with the support Oceana's Fleet and Family Support Center received from the base not only in forming the ribbon, but on other events taking place during October that bring awareness of domestic violence. She explained that in fiscal year 2012, Oceana and Dam Neck had 346 allegations of domestic abuse.

"While that sounds like a high number, I think part of that is, the commands have been great about connecting families with support services. More families are learning about the support that's out there," said Fox.

"I've been doing this professionally for 11 years, with the military specifically, and this is the most involved I've ever seen the base CO and XO with Domestic Violence Awareness Month. They're very supportive of us and that's very meaningful to me," said Flahardy.

For more news from Naval Air Station Oceana, visit www.navy.mil/local/oceana/.