Fort Sill attacks underlying cause of domestic violence

On Fort Sill, this month is known as "Domestic Violence Prevention Month." Still, it is more commonly known as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" throughout the country, and it is during this month we focus on eliminating domestic violence. The purple ribbon, which began nearly two decades ago as a visible gesture of support for survivors and victims of domestic violence in various communities, is one of the most widely recognized symbols of the battered women's movement.

Domestic violence prevention and healthy relationship building are two of the primary goals of victim advocates, also known as Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVAs), who work out of Fort Sill's Army Community Service (ACS) center. Training takes place year-round, most of which occurs in October. These trainings are intended to increase public awareness of domestic violence and get people talking about it.

Desiree' Anderson says, "One in every four women and one in every seven men are victims of domestic violence." On average, it takes seven to ten instances of abuse before a victim, or "survivor," as we call them at Fort Sill, decides to leave their abuser."

Anderson said everyday stressors can contribute to domestic violence and "hurt people hurt people." The ACS can connect military personnel and their families with counseling agencies to address specific issues.

Family advocacy, behavioral health services, military family counseling, and chaplains are among the services available at Fort Sill. Counseling and other forms of anger management are available at Lawton facilities for anyone experiencing domestic violence.

ACS constantly promotes its events to raise awareness through fliers, social media, meetings, or other means. Victim advocates help people in distress by advising them on how to find safe areas, rally the children, and develop code words that signal the children to move to a secure location.

As a form of victim protection, both civilian and military authorities can issue protective orders.

Lorene Torralba stated, "We have secure shelters in undisclosed locations where the victim and their children can be protected." Families are welcome to stay until they can leave the dangerous environment in which they are currently located.

For more information, contact the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates at (580)-442-4916. The number for the Domestic Violence Hotline is (580)-574-0871.