Day without violence
By Airman 1st Class Wesley Wright, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
/ Published January 18, 2007
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --
Minot Air Force Base students spoke out against domestic violence here in the form of a calendar project initiated during October 2006, which is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
In a project sponsored by the 5th Medical Group, Family Advocacy Program and Friends of Family Support, Minot AFB students competed in a "draw for peace" project to produce a 2007 "Day Without Violence" calendar.
"The project was very well received," said Karla Ross, base domestic violence victim advocate. "All children grades K-8 were invited to participate in drawing pictures that exhibited non-violence. It was a way for children to address the issue of thinking about respect and kindness. Some children took a global view of peace and others addressed it in their home and community."
The entries that made the final cut were turned into a 12-month calendar. Three-hundred copies were then distributed to various organizations on base.
"We had 45 entries from North Plains Elementary School and North Dakota Elementary School," said Mrs. Ross. "It was wonderful to see our young people embrace the mentality of peace over violence."
According to Family Violence Prevention Fund officials, children who witness domestic violence are more likely to exhibit behavioral and physical health problems, including depression, anxiety and violence toward peers. They are also more likely to attempt suicide and abuse drugs and alcohol.
"This was a great opportunity to draw awareness and for the community to see the response of our young people toward the issue of domestic violence," said Mrs. Ross
Norma Theis, guidance counselor at North Plains Elementary School, believes the project was a chance for Minot AFB students to make a difference.
"It's a very important issue," she said. "It was a resource for the kids to express their feelings. It showed them that their voice does count. They can make a difference."
For any questions about domestic violence, contact the family advocacy officer at 701-723-5096.