Black Eye Campaign raises awareness Published Oct. 30, 2012 By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Elsea 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A co-worker sits down at the desk nearby, tears in their eyes and what looks like fresh bruises on their face, how many people would have the courage to ask what happened or if the co-worker was alright? In an effort to bring awareness to Domestic Violence Awareness Month, 25 Team Tyndall volunteers participated in the Black Eye Campaign Oct. 15 and 16 to learn if and how their wingmen would react. "Each year, Tyndall Family Advocacy Program is tasked with implementing educational events and activities that focus on the prevention of domestic violence," said Michelle Lasater, 325th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy program outreach manager. "This year, for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we wanted to do something that was 'out-of-the box' and the Black Eye Campaign was a perfect initiative that would bring prevention directly to the unit level." The volunteers wore a "black eye," courtesy of the 325th Medical Group moulage team. "The Black Eye Campaign experiment is used as a tool to gage how many people will react to seeing someone walking around with a potential injury," Lasater said. "The volunteers were comprised of both male and female volunteers, as well as both active duty and civilians." A few of the participants even had a past history of violence in their own lives. "I had always said that I would never be in a relationship with someone who hit me, and the moment he did I was gone," said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Williams, 81st Range Control Squadron NCO in charge of the commander's support staff. "However, when my previous husband became physically abusive I kept quiet, and I stayed. If someone would have known what I was going through I probably wouldn't have stayed for as long as I did." Asking someone what happened to them could be the first step for them to leave or seek help, she said. "In my job, much to my dismay, I've seen abuse and even lived through some when I was younger," said Master Sgt. Christina Riley, 325th Operations Group first sergeant. "It was important to me to see if anyone would ask the wingman questions and check on me even if I was the first sergeant." To help facilitate healthy discussions about domestic violence prevention, each volunteer was equipped with an information card that explained the campaign and offered prevention and service information, she added. "Outside the squadron I got looks from people but no one asked what happened," Sergeant Williams said. "Inside the squadron, there were a few that were really shocked and immediately asked me if he had hit me. When I gave them the purple card and told them what was going on they were so relieved." The lack of questions surprised some of the volunteers. "I was surprised at how folks would glance at me then turn the other way as though their eyes burned with pain when they looked at me," said Sergeant Riley. "Had they lived the image I was portraying, were they living it, had they caused the same type of image? There was one person in the commissary who would leave the aisle every time I entered the same aisle he was on, I was concerned for him." Sergeant Riley said she was appalled by the fact that a majority of people didn't ask if she was alright. "Am I not an Airman like you?" Sergeant Riley said. "Have we come to a point that we just do not care about our fellow Airman or human being for that matter that we will walk away rather than ask a simple question? What if I was your sister or daughter?" She even proceeded to ask them why they hadn't said anything. "I asked several people, after giving them a chance to be a wingman, why they did not acknowledge my 'injury,'" Sergeant Riley said. "They mentioned that because I was the Shirt, they didn't know what to say to me? I could not believe that my diamond would cause people to ignore obvious signs something was wrong, whether that be a car accident or trying to catch a softball with my eye. After all, I wear the same uniform they do, could it be that hard to ask me how my day is going or if I was ok?" Several volunteers had medical appointments the day of the campaign and provided feedback that their health care provider or the medical technician assisting them, did indeed ask and did so appropriately, in a private setting with a helpful, non-threatening approach. Even leadership got involved. After hearing about the campaign, Lt. Col. Bruce Bunce, 81st RCS commander, held an afternoon commander's call to discuss his unit's response to their volunteer. Overall, the campaign was a success, but it is vital to remain vigilant year round. "Although the Family Advocacy Program brings a concentrated focus on domestic violence prevention during October, there are steps individuals can take each and every day to stop domestic violence," Lasater said. · Teach young people that violence is not acceptable · Promote domestic violence awareness by talking with your family and friends about the issue · Offer your support - not judgment - to a friend or family member you may be concerned about, including asking about noticeable injuries in a private, non-threatening manner. · Support your friends or family by informing them of resources that can help them if they are experiencing problems in their relationships · Become active in domestic violence prevention activities on your installation or in your local community "If you are being abused, think you are being abused or are concerned about someone who you think is living with abuse, help is available," Lasater said. The following resources are available at Tyndall and most other installations to help families, no matter what stressor they may be experiencing: Mental Health Clinic (850) 283-7511 Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (850) 283-8192 /after hours (850) 625-1231 Military Family Life Consultant (850) 283-4204 Chapel (850) 283-2925 U.S. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) More information is available at http://www.dosomething.org/project/black-eye-campaign and http://www.ovw.usdoj.gov/.