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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (U.S. Air Force graphic by Naoko Shimoji)
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Domestic violence prevention starts with you
Posted 10/1/2012 Updated 10/1/2012
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by Valerie Seitz
Family Advocacy Outreach Manager
10/1/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Every October, during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Family Advocacy Program puts a special focus on the prevention of domestic violence in the Air Force, to remind ourselves and the base community that domestic violence prevention is a year-round mission. This year's campaign theme is "Thanks for Asking."
Research shows that approximately 75 percent of domestic violence incidents are never reported to authorities. Therefore, communities are vital in detecting the silent victims of domestic abuse.
When you see people in your community suffering from family problems, whether they are Airmen, dependents or civilians, regardless of gender or rank, reach out to them. Domestic abuse is contrary to everything the military believes in.
Simply asking "Are you okay" or "Can I help you" could be the key to saving a life.
Our military families are under incredible stress. They face all the same obstacles American families face in addition to working long hours, frequent deployments and separation from their primary support systems.
While it is vital to recognize that Air Force members work heroically at caring for each other around the globe, it is just as important for us as a community to work heroically at caring for each other in our family lives.
Experienced researchers tell us that "healthy families keep service members alive on the battlefield" and that pre-occupied Airmen are more likely to make errors and become psychological casualties.
The Department of Defense needs strong, healthy military families. We recognize that everyone experiences difficulties at points in their life, but healthy families try to anticipate them and develop the tools they will need to get through. The Family Advocacy Program can help you prevent family violence and can provide assistance if abuse does occur, but we can't do it alone. Help us stop abuse by taking advantage of the programs offered by Family Advocacy programs and other family support agencies.
Kadena's Family Advocacy staff would like to invite all service members and their families here at Okinawa, to join us in the fight against domestic abuse.
During October, wear a purple ribbon to show your support. Purple ribbons will be available at several locations on base including the Family Advocacy Office, the Health and Wellness Center, the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Office and various other locations.
Also, plan to attend the Joint Services Hands Are For Healing; Pink Dress Purple Tie Gala on Oct. 27.
We also want to remind you that we are co-hosting the second annual Walk-a-Mile in Their Shoes event with the HAWC in an effort to enhance awareness of those who have been impacted by domestic abuse.
Lastly, the Kadena Family Advocacy Program offers a variety of prevention workshops and seminars in addition to co-sponsoring the above mentioned events in October.
If you or someone you know is a victim of family violence, or is simply interested receiving information, call the Family Advocacy Program at 634-0433. |
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