FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Oct. 8, 2015) -- Fort Rucker kicked off October's Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a promise to commit to preventing domestic violence.
Col. Shannon T. Miller, Fort Rucker garrison commander, signed the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation during a ceremony in the atrium of Bldg. 5700 Oct. 1 as a way of showing the community's commitment to ending domestic violence.
"This (signing) certainly shows our commitment to (domestic abuse prevention), and I do thank you all for taking the time to participate in this event," said Miller. "You being here shows your representation as a stakeholder in that commitment to make sure that we stand strong against domestic violence."
The theme for this year's awareness is "It starts with respect: Live by core values to keep your relationship healthy and strong," and Miller said it's those core values, such as respect, that can make the difference.
"It's not just what we do day in and day out at work, but it's also what we can apply when we go home," said the garrison commander. "Respect and trust are the foundations of a healthy relationship -- and that's whether at work or at home. Some of you are married, and you know what it's like to compromise, and that's what makes a healthy relationship -- compromise that's free from abuse."
Miller said that from 2006-2011, the Army has seen an increase in reports of domestic abuse by 33 percent, with women making up 70 percent of the victims. Despite the higher number of female victims, the garrison commander highlighted that men can also be victims of domestic abuse, as well.
Along with the increase in reports across the Army, Miller said that reports have also increased on Fort Rucker, which is unacceptable.
"Here we are, a training (installation), and we've seen an increase in domestic violence," she said. "We have to be our brothers' and sisters' keepers, and recognize what our Soldiers, civilians and families are going through. The bottom line is that domestic violence is never OK."
Miller said that as part of the Army family, people need to look out for one another because people never know the impact they can make in a person's life by intervening.
She said that, as a battalion commander, she had an incident of domestic violence between a husband and wife, and the way the situation was handled she was able to make a difference in the lives of the couple.
"I had to punish the individual in the unit, but when I was leaving the command, the spouse came to me and thanked me because she said it was the best thing for her marriage," she said. "I really took that to heart because you just never know how your actions can impact another person.
"No one deserves abuse, whether it's verbal, physical, emotional or sexual, because they have long-lasting effects, even if they never leave a bruise," said the garrison commander. "Let's commit to preventing domestic violence. Set the stage for your child and future relationships. Encourage that respectful communication in our Soldiers and civilians. Be a part of the solution."
To report domestic violence or abuse, or for more information, contact Fort Rucker's 24/7 victim advocate helpline at 379-7947 or the family advocacy program at 255-3898.
Related Links:
USAACE and Fort Rucker on Twitter
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