Team Minot takes a stand against domestic violence

  • Published
  • By Kiley Swopes
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  While our nation brought public attention to domestic violence, Minot Air Force Base devoted the month of October to raising community awareness.

The Minot Air Force Base Family Advocacy Program held outreach activities to bring attention to the domestic violence issue. Events included a half marathon, 10K and 5K, squadron-level discussions, purple people lines, editorials, as well as social and local media outreach.

"We must enhance awareness of the issue to prevent the issue from happening," Capt. Jeffery Smith, 5th Medical Group family advocacy officer said. "Without awareness, prevention cannot happen."

Airmen volunteered to support the domestic violence prevention efforts, including members from all levels of leadership. They participated in being an advocate and supported the activities, Smith said.

"We had several purple people lines which gave the members of Team Minot the opportunity to stand up and let their fellow Airmen know that domestic violence is not okay on this base, or in the Air Force," said Anne Owen, 5th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy program representative.

Although October has ended, it is important to remember prevention efforts will never be over. The Family Advocacy Program will provide continuous outreach, prevention and support to all Air Force families.

"Domestic violence is 100 percent preventable," Owen stated. "Getting people the help they need before it becomes a problem is key. That is what we are trying to do in bringing awareness to the community."

The Family Advocacy Program encourages Airmen to help prevent domestic violence by continuing to be a good wingman to peers, subordinates and leaders.
"All military members and civilian employees should remember they are all mandated reporters," Owen said. "Reporting what they see or hear, and helping those who may need to come in for counseling can make all the difference."

Fortunately for Minot AFB, maltreatment has declined 43 percent within the past year.

"The decline has reflected on our leadership's message of the Air Force's zero tolerance standard for domestic violence with our combination of outreach efforts and services," Smith said.