Domestic violence prevention starts with respect

By Joan VaseyOctober 16, 2015

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During October, Fort Huachuca Army Community Service has set up domestic violence displays during October in well-trafficked areas on post including Murr Community Center, The Fort Huachuca Main Exchange, Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center and Greel... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- Fort Huachuca is offering a special workshop and month-long displays to showcase October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month according to Allitra Williams, victim advocate, Army Community Service (ACS).

The Oct. 19 workshop scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Thunder Mountain Activity Centre, will focus on emotional issues and respect, Williams stated. The public is invited.

"There is no cost associated with attending the Domestic Violence Awareness workshop; it's sponsored by ACS as free to professionals and military," said Jan Barber, ACS Family Advocacy Program manager.

Register by calling 520.533.2993 or 533.2437. There is no childcare, but coffee, tea, juice and ice water are provided.

According to Barber, the presenter promises an interactive workshop. There will be a survivor disclosure at the close of the workshop and the audience is encouraged to ask questions. An expert panel will be available to give professional feedback.

During the month, Fort Huachuca personnel offer special displays and will broadcast public service announcements about domestic violence. Additionally, the ACS staff encourages the Fort Huachuca community to show support by wearing purple on Fridays or a purple ribbon during the month to remind everyone about the domestic violence issue.

The month-long awareness campaign is part of many that will take place on installations and other locations Army-wide. The goal is to heighten awareness of domestic violence and signs that it could be taking place inside a home.

"The core values for a good and healthy relationship mirror the Army core values," said Lt. Col. Ricky J. Martinez, the Family Advocacy Program manager for Headquarters, Department of the Army.

"Love, respect and trust will be at the forefront for any healthy relationship," he explained, "However, relationships will also need other core values such as honesty, integrity, commitment, selflessness and courage to be completely successful."

This year's DOD theme is "It starts with respect: Live by core values to keep your relationship healthy and strong." The Army will focus its efforts on publicizing their resources which help Soldiers and Family members develop life skills and maintain positive relationships according to an Installation Management Command news release.

Fort Huachuca's ACS can help victims of domestic abuse not just this month but year-round.

"ACS provides advocacy services, referral services, crisis intervention and non-clinical supports. Following a reported domestic violence incident, the victim advocate (VA) implements a safety assessment and a safety plan and coordinates emergency services when indicated," said Barber. "Advocacy includes accompanying victims to court for preliminary hearings and to obtain restraining orders, and to medical appointments associated with the incident. The advocate will accompany a victim to the military police station to make a report and will advocate during all proceedings necessary to travel through legalities."

The VA oversees transitional compensation applications and arranges for transportation when a victim finds is necessary to leave the area due to safety issues. The VA also attends the Family Advocacy Case Review Committee as a victim representative, Barber explained.

ACS does not provide clinical counseling but does facilitate referrals. ACS also offers group education services for Survivor Empowerment, Anger Management, Stress Management and Sleep Hygiene.

ACS does not sponsor couples' retreats. That service is provided through chaplains, Barber said. However, ACS Family Action Plan funding does permit financial sponsorship for presenters at couples' retreats.

"Domestic violence is insidious and can ultimately end in serious irreversible physical and emotional injury -- no one should be afraid in their relationships," Barber said. "Awareness offers an opportunity to learn about healthy relationships -- how to love one's self and how to interact with the people we love.

"Domestic violence involves power and control and always means that one person in a relationship is victimized -- they're being hurt, physically, sexually and/or emotionally," Barber said. "DV is unhealthy and unsafe, and it's important to work toward eliminating DV to foster healthy Families.

"Many people find it difficult to report suspected DV," she added. "They ponder concerns about 'interfering.' However, a good practice is: 'If you suspect it, report it.' The outcomes of a reported DV travel through a professional process, and it is always better to be safe than sorry. Unreported incidences or suspicions support continuance. Silence is NOT always golden, especially when someone is hurting.

"Education and awareness also serve to support survivorship," Barber explained. "Historically, domestic abuse has been a private, Family matter. However we've come to know that abuse is serious. Enhancing awareness increases the opportunity to erase the silence that protected the abuser."

For more information about domestic violence prevention and assistanct, call 520.533.2437.