This month focus on respect - not anger

By Mr. Robert Timmons (IMCOM)October 1, 2015

Respect is one of the core Army values. Respect also is the key to a healthy relationship.

In signing a proclamation supporting Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Fort Jackson Garrison Commander Col. James Ellerson has lent his voice to the chorus declaring that living the Army values is about more than just talk -- it requires action.

"Every couple experiences relationship challenges," the proclamation says. "But no matter how tough times get, all couples need to commit to living by core values and working through problems in a healthy way."

It starts with respect.

The proclamation ends by asking readers to join the Fort Jackson Family Advocacy Program to help prevent domestic violence in the ranks.

Army Community Services' Family Advocacy Program teaches different coping skills and has resources to help Families before violence occurs.

While domestic violence remains a problem, the numbers of incidents at Fort Jackson have dwindled, said Annette McLeod, FAP manager.

"Our number are very low compared to the Army, TRADOC and the civilian population," she said.

They are low, she said, because commanders "have taken ownership of the program," attempting prevention.

Such efforts aim to "reach Families very early" and intervene at the lowest level - preferably before violence occurs, McLeod said.

"Commanders see (potentially harmful domestic situations) at the earliest and get involved," she said.

The Soldiers then are referred to Family Advocacy Program for classes to help alleviate marriage stress or teach adequate coping methods.

One such program will be the Date Night Social on Wednesday, where more than 35 couples will learn more about their spouses during dinner, dancing and a revised version of the "Newlywed Game" designed to show how well spouses know each other.

Post commander Maj. Gen. Roger Cloutier and his wife, Diane, already have committed themselves to attending the event.

The awareness month begins today and will run through Oct. 31.

'It Starts with Respect'

Following is the list of activities for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Tuesday: 11 a.m. to noon, S.C. State House. "Silent Witness" demonstration

Wednesday: 6-8 p.m., Joe E. Mann Center. Date Night Social: Newlywed/Not-So-Newlywed Game.

Open to active-duty Soldiers, retirees, DOD civilians and Families. Limited child care will be provided; call 751-4865.

Oct. 10: 8-11 a.m., Finlay Park. Mayor's Domestic Violence Walk

Oct. 10-13: 10 a.m. to noon, Main Exchange. Domestic violence outreach.

Oct. 20: 10 a.m. to noon, post Commissary. Domestic violence outreach.

Awareness centers will be available throughout October at the Post Exchange and Commissary, as well as the 165th Infantry Brigade, Balfour-Beatty Community Center, C.C. Pinckney Elementary School, the credit union, the Education Center, the Family Life Center, the Family Readiness Center, the Hood Street Child Development Center, the Military Police station, Moncrief Army Community Hospital, the North East Clinic, Pierce Terrace Elementary School, the Post Chapel, the Soldier Support Institute, the Solomon Center, the Staff Judge Advocate Office, the Strom Thurmond Building, the Thomas Lee Hall Library, the Welcome Center and Youth Services.

For further information on programs and activities, call the post's Family Advocacy Program at 751-6325.