TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As Domestic Violence Awareness Month comes to a close, the professionals of the Tyndall Family Advocacy office would like to impart knowledge to ensure Airmen are able to identify indicators of domestic violence and report suspected abuse.
Members of the 325th Medical Group Mental Health Clinic and the Family Advocacy were hard at work during the month of October, setting up displays around Tyndall and sharing information with others in order to help put a stop to domestic violence.
“Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence each year,” said Michelle Lasater, 325th MDG Family Advocacy Program outreach manager. “Additionally, one in four women, and one in nine men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Women between the ages of 20 to 24 experience the greatest risk of intimate partner violence.”
Lasater and her team focus on prevention of the act itself and stopping the problem before it has the chance to escalate.
“Domestic violence in the military is a small sample compared to the civilian community,” she said. “Studies can’t compare the two because there are many variables to consider for comparison. However, incidents occur at every base and many go unreported until it becomes a major crisis or is too late. Prevention and treatment should be the main focus, not numbers. Self-referrals for every mandatory program is better than waiting for a negative incident to occur.”
She also wanted to take time to dispel possible misconceptions about domestic violence.
Myth: Domestic violence is rare.
Truth: More than 10 million men and women are physically abused by a partner each year in the United States. Children are victims too.
Myth: Domestic violence only happens to people in lower economic classes.
Truth: Domestic violence affects people of all races, colors, gender, ages, rank, sexual orientation and socioeconomic statuses.
Myth: I can change him or her. They promised that they would stop.
Truth: The truth is, people who engage in domestic violence will not suddenly change without help. There is a cycle of violence that will continue.
Myth: I will get kicked out the military if there is a domestic violence incident.
Truth: The Family Advocacy Program focuses on clinical treatment to prevent future incidents. Family Advocacy does not make command decisions. Members that take responsibility for their actions, engage in treatment and do not continue to have maltreatment incidents continue to do well in the Air Force. Repeat offenders tend to have more difficulty navigating their career. Many members continue to advance within their career. If a member has behaviors that place them at risk of becoming an offender, they should engage in prevention and education programs to learn better ways to react to stressors.
Lasater went on to highlight that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse, it can be about psychological and financial control.
As the month ends and putting a spotlight on domestic violence comes to a close, the Family Advocacy office will continue to provide resources for those in need of help or information.
“If you suspect someone is a perpetrator of domestic abuse, reports can be made to the Family Advocacy Program by calling (850) 283-7511. If anyone you know is experiencing abuse, they may seek help by contacting the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) at (850) 270-7073,” Lasater concluded.