ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - All branches of the Department of Defense observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October. The 2013 theme is "End Domestic Violence - Recognize It, Report It, Prevent It."
The focus of the campaign is to raise awareness of domestic violence, inform victims that help is available and emphasize the negative impact it has on Family readiness. At Aberdeen Proving Ground, victims of domestic violence can seek help through Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic and Army Community Service.
KUSAHC's Behavioral Health Care Services offers a variety of counseling services, crisis intervention and referral assistance to Soldiers, Family members, and military retirees.
KUSAHC can also screen and refer contractors and DOD civilians to community resources.
The KUSAHC Family Advocacy Program (FAP) works closely with APG's Directorate of Emergency Services, local police and agencies off post, like the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC) a non-profit agency serving victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse and stalking, located in Harford County.
The Army provides two types of reporting options, restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reporting does not involve a military chain of command or law enforcement. Unrestricted reporting involves some type of investigation by a command or law enforcement. All victims are eligible for services that include a medical evaluation and counseling, regardless if they choose restricted or unrestricted reporting.
Social Worker Margo Digan, from KUSAHC Family Advocacy Program, said there are some exceptions to restricted reporting. For example, if there is child abuse, or the victim is in immediate danger, then the Family Advocacy Victim Advocate must report the incident.
Digan said domestic violence affects males and females from all walks of life. She said that male victims typically do not want to report domestic violence, because they do not want to be perceived as "weak."
"We want them to know that we are here for them [and that] it is okay to come forward and get help," Digan said.
ACS Director Janice Downey said the ACS Family Advocacy Program (FAP) provides one-on-one support. She said the ACS Victim Advocate can help victims come up with a safety plan, find emergency shelter and other needed resources, and offers moral support. If necessary, the Family Victim Advocate can serve as a liaison, accompanying the victim to meetings with lawyers and to court.
"This is needed because Soldiers and their Family members often live far away from their extended Families and close friends and need to feel a sense of safety in the community they now have made their home," Downey said.
KUSAHC and ACS also provide free preventative programs like anger management classes and conflict containment classes, by referral. Digan said these classes teach couples how to deal with conflict and communicate more effectively. Chaplains on post also provide free marriage counseling. For more information call the Main Post Chapel at 410-278-4333.
Throughout the month, pamphlets on domestic violence, crisis management, post-traumatic stress disorder and marital strategies will be available in the KUSAHC foyer located in Bldg. 2501 on Oakington Street and in the ACS lobby located in Bldg. 2503 on Highpoint Road.
APG Victim Advocates can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Domestic Violence Hotline 410-652-6048 or the Sexual Assault Hotline at 410-322-75154 or call the DOD SAFE Helpline at 877-995-5247. For KUSAHC Family Advocacy Appointments, call 410-278-1768. For information about ACS FAP prevention classes, call 410-278-4372. The Harford County Mobile Crisis Team at 410-638-5248, provides 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
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