October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aiming to encourage healthy and violence-free relationships, acknowledge progress, and amplify the voices of survivors. This year's theme is United Against Domestic Abuse. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know you are not alone.

The White Sands Missile Range Family Advocacy Program hosted a Bystander Intervention and Self-Defense class on October 5, 2023, at the Army Community Service building to kick off the month.

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aiming to encourage healthy and violence-free relationships, acknowledge progress, and amplify the voices of survivors. This year's theme is United Against Domestic Abuse. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know you are not alone.

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aiming to encourage healthy and violence-free relationships, acknowledge progress, and amplify the voices of survivors. This year's theme is United Against Domestic Abuse. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know you are not alone.

The White Sands Missile Range Family Advocacy Program hosted a Bystander Intervention and Self-Defense class on October 5, 2023, at the Army Community Service building to kick off the month.

The White Sands Missile Range Family Advocacy Program hosted a Bystander Intervention and Self-Defense class on October 5, 2023, at the Army Community Service building to kick off the month.

The Family Advocacy Program collaborates closely with the WSMR Department of Emergency Services to ensure the safety of individuals who may be experiencing child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. The ultimate goal of these organizations is to promote safety and prevent harm. As a result of their partnership, Detective Joseph Quilenderino, a Krav Maga instructor who works for the White Sands Missile Range Police Department, taught a class on self-defense and how to respond if someone shares that they are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship.

"Those situations are very dangerous. Only one of two things happens: someone leaves or someone dies. That is the absolute truth; those are the only two ways out. The abuser is not going to change. They will not, no matter how many times they say 'it will never happen again.'"

He informed the audience that the best way to help someone in a domestic dispute is to be there and convince them to report it.

"When someone comes to you, stay calm, give them advice, help them find a safe place to stay and be there for them."

One helpful tip, suggested by Quilenderino, is to have a plan in place. For instance, if someone is experiencing abuse, they can call you, and you can contact 911 on their behalf without alerting the abuser that the authorities have been notified.

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aiming to encourage healthy and violence-free relationships, acknowledge progress, and amplify the voices of survivors. This year's theme is United Against Domestic Abuse. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know you are not alone.

The White Sands Missile Range Family Advocacy Program hosted a Bystander Intervention and Self-Defense class on October 5, 2023, at the Army Community Service building to kick off the month.

Another example is to get the abused person away from the situation and power down all of their electronic devices so they do not get tracked by GPS or endure digital abuse.

According to Amanda Carreras, Family Advocacy Program Manager at White Sands Missile Range, two forms of abuse are becoming more prevalent: digital and financial.

"Digital abuse is done through the electronic access that an abuser has and the way they control you is by seeing who you are talking to and seeing where you are at," said Carreras. "Financial abuse is more like not having access to your money or finances. Not knowing if your bills are getting paid. As adults, you usually have input in those things, especially in healthy relationships."

People experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence may find themselves in financial situations where they are unable to go to a store to buy essentials, don't have enough money to buy a meal, or their partner leaves their vehicle's gas tank empty. Hence, they lack transportation to leave their homes.

The class also had self-defense demonstrations and physical activities. Quilenderino stressed the importance of creating a home safety plan to keep your family safe and prepared for an emergency.

October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, aiming to encourage healthy and violence-free relationships, acknowledge progress, and amplify the voices of survivors. This year's theme is United Against Domestic Abuse. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, know you are not alone.

The White Sands Missile Range Family Advocacy Program hosted a Bystander Intervention and Self-Defense class on October 5, 2023, at the Army Community Service building to kick off the month.

One aspect of the home safety plan is to be aware of your surroundings:

  • When you pull into your driveway, sit, listen, and ensure nothing stands out from your usual surroundings.
  • If you drive into your garage, don't immediately close the garage door. Make sure nobody follows you into the garage.
  • Don't be fumbling with your keys when you get to the door. Have them ready.
  • When you get home, pay attention to what your dog is doing.
  • Pay attention to your house's appearance; ensure everything is in order.
  • Know how to get around your home in the dark.
  • If someone is in your home, and you can't talk, still call 911 and have them on the line so they can record and hear everything happening in your home. Provide them with information when you can.

Learn more about the support available through your local Family Advocacy Program and other resources.

The Army offers several support services to military and civilian communities to raise awareness and promote this crucial cause.

WSMR Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline: 575-993-7413

NM CYFD 24/7 Child Abuse Reporting Hotline: 855-333-SAFE (7233)