About 70 White Sands Missile Range personnel participated in the Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event held at the White Sands Missile Range running track in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) Oct. 28.
"Our society has come a long way in trying to understand and adapt," said Staff Sgt. Anthony Martinez Mereno, with the McAfee U.S. Army Health Clinic, who walked in his wife's high heels for the event. "It's never going to be perfect, but events like this walk continue to bring awareness," he said.
During the 1-mile walk, women wore men's boots and men wore women's shoes to symbolize the pain victims go through when they are in domestic violence situations.
"We want the community to take away the seriousness of domestic violence and that it does happen at various levels. Violence is a choice and my hope is if we can bring awareness and education then we can prevent it," said Espy Garcia, Family Advocacy Program Manager.
According to an Army New Service article the Army is emphasizing that domestic violence is never "OK" and is highlighting resources that help Army families develop life skills, maintain positive relationships and encourage help-seeking behavior.
The first DVAM was held in October 1987, and the first Commemorative Legislation passed by the U.S. Congress in 1989. This year, the Army joined the nation in observing DVAM using the Department of Defense theme of "It starts with respect: Live by core values to keep your relationship healthy and strong."
According to Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Bill Wofford, awareness is key on an installation with a population as small as WSMR's. "Our tolerance level is zero. And the leadership will support any organization or activity on WSMR that will bring light to issues like domestic violence."
An Army Times 2014 article states the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps cumulatively have averaged just under 8,000 domestic violence complaints per year over the past five years from families that include at least one active-duty service member.
For more information or to ask for help, contact WSMR's Family Advocacy Program Manager at (575) 678-2306.
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