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Being aware of domestic violence implications
Posted 10/4/2012 Updated 10/4/2012
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Commentary by Anne S. Owen
Family Advocacy Program
10/4/2012 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month and over the coming weeks we will be discussing different topics regarding Domestic Violence, its impact on individuals and families and what you can do to get help for yourself or someone you know.
Domestic violence is a national problem and the military is in no way immune to this issue. In fact, military bases and their personnel often face greater challenges than their surrounding communities.
Deployments, demanding missions, and high operations tempos are all strains on service members and their families. Ultimately, they add up to the concerning numbers of family maltreatment cases seen on military bases. What follows are facts about Air Force Global Strike Command and the Minot AFB community we live in. What lives in our shadows may surprise you.
· Did you know last year the rate of Partner Maltreatment in AFGSC was 63% above the rest of the Air Force?
· Did you know last year the rate of Child Maltreatment in AFGSC was 26% above the rest of the Air Force?
This year, the rates have declined; however, Minot AFB continues to have a rate of Family Maltreatment twice the rate of the other AFGSC bases. Apply that to the numbers above, and you can see that Family Maltreatment is a huge concern here at Minot AFB.
How do we reduce these rates of maltreatment? The Family Advocacy Program recommends the following approaches:
· Teach people that violence is NOT acceptable - regardless of the circumstance, placing your hands on another with violent intent is never acceptable.
· Promote general domestic awareness by talking to your friends and family about the issue.
· Offer support and understanding, not judgment, to a friend or family member that you may be concerned about.
· Support your friends and family by informing them of resources that can assist them if they are experiencing relationship problems.
· Become active in DV prevention activities both on base and in the community.
· If you suspect maltreatment, report it to Law Enforcement or the Family Advocacy Program. You can contact the Family Advocacy Program at 723-5096 or the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate at 701-557-9466.
Over the next month, there will be multiple opportunities for you to become more aware of Domestic Violence in our military community as we try and bring this subject out of the shadows and into the light.
There will be examples of different ways you can help prevent occurrences from happening, and or how to help if an instance does occur. One of the best ways to show your support is to participate in the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Run being held on base Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. There will be a 5K/10K/half marathon event designed to support the overall cause. Contact the Fitness Center if you have further questions. This is a great way to come out and show that family maltreatment is not acceptable and has no place on our base.
If you or someone you know is currently dealing with domestic violence issues, please contact the Family Advocacy Program at 723-5096 or the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate 24 hours a day at 701-557-9466. Help is available and you do not have to suffer alone.
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