Domestic violence touches all

  • Published
  • By Mrs. Michelle Lasater
  • 325th Medical Operations Squadron
Nearly one in four women, one in nine men, and more than three million children have been affected by domestic violence.

During fiscal year 2011, more than 6,000 domestic violence referrals were made Air Force-wide to the Family Advocacy Program per the 2011 Air Force Fatality Review. That same year, 12 domestic violence-related deaths occurred in the Air Force, an increase from the previous year.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Family Advocacy Program invites service members to participate in the various activities that increase awareness on this issue.

Information about the activities are found on the installations' Facebook sites, the commander's access channel, the marquee, and base pop ups. All events are open to the base community.

Additionally, there is a cell phone collection drive for the Verizon Hopeline Program. Phones donated will be refurbished for use by domestic violence victims. Wireless phones and technology can serve as a vital link to emergency or support services in a time of crisis or as a reliable, safe connection to employers, family and friends as survivors rebuild their lives. Phones that are unable to be refurbished are recycled to create funding for domestic violence programs in the local area.

Drop off boxes may be found at: 325th Medical Group entrance, Health and Wellness Center, Mental Health, Base Exchange, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Fitness Center, Balfour Beatty Communities, Military Personnel Flight Customer Service, Chapel, 1st Air Force, 601st Air and Space Operations Center, 325th Air Control Squadron, 325th Security Forces Squadron, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron hangar and 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group.

Although we place a special emphasis on prevention and awareness each October, the Family Advocacy Program has many prevention services available to enhance the readiness and resilience of our military families. Some of these services include Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, New Parent Support Program, marital counseling, parenting classes, Anger Management, Stress Management, How to Avoid Falling In Love With a Jerk, which is for singles or single again, teen healthy choice workshops, and the Parent Education & Family Stabilization course, which is free to Tri-Care beneficiaries, required for parents who are divorcing in the state of Florida.

For more information contact the Mental Health Flight at (850) 283-7511 and don't forget to wear purple for domestic abuse prevention.