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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (U.S. Air Force graphic by Naoko Shimoji)
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Kadena Family Advocacy program recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Posted 9/26/2011 Updated 9/26/2011
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by Valerie Seitz
18th Medical Operations Squadron
9/26/2011 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Each 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 this is a year-round mission.
This year we have selected the theme, "Be Aware, Show You Care."
Many of our military families are experiencing increased stressors due to high deployment rates and our nation's poor economic situation. While it is vital to recognize that Air Force members work heroically at caring for each other while in troubled places around the globe, it is just as important for us as military members and spouses to work heroically at caring for each other in our family lives, so our active-duty members are always ready and able to serve our country whenever they are called.
Experienced researchers tell us that "healthy families keep service members alive on the battlefield." Air Force members take family concerns with them to work and when they deploy. If they are preoccupied with family problems they are more likely to make errors and they are more likely to become "psychological casualties."
The Department of Defense wants strong, healthy military families. The Family Advocacy program can help you resolve marital or family conflict, prevent family violence and can help you if violence or abuse does occur. But, we can't do it alone. Help us stop abuse by taking advantage of the Family Advocacy programs. Everyone has problems sometimes, but healthy families try to anticipate them. They get information, take classes, or get counseling to help them deal with their problems before they become overwhelming.
The Kadena Air Base Family Advocacy staff would like to invite all members of the military community on Okinawa to join us in the fight against domestic violence. During the month of 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 Abuse Response Coordinator's office and at informational tables which will be set up around base during the month of October.
A "Joint Services Hands Are For Healing; Pink Dress, Purple Tie" event is Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. at the NCO Rocker Club. Contact me to attend.
We are also co-hosting a "Walk a Mile in Their Shoes" event with the HAWC to enhance awareness of those who have been impacted by domestic violence. Pedometers will be given to the first 150 people to register and can be picked up at the HAWC between Sept. 26-30. Steps will be logged for four weeks and displayed at the HAWC. For more information about the event, contact the HAWC at 634-2499 or Family Advocacy at 634-0433.
Additionally, the Kadena Family Advocacy program offers a variety of prevention workshops and seminars throughout the entire year. Lastly, if you or someone you know is the victim of family violence, call the Family Advocacy program at 634-0433.
Domestic violence is contrary to everything the military believes in. It hurts all of us. Be aware. Help us put an end to domestic violence. |
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