October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, and Fort Sill's Family Advocacy Program (FAP) will encourage participation at events throughout the month to shed light on the issue and help end domestic violence.
Domestic violence can occur in any type of intimate relationship, by either partner. In the United States, about 1.5 million women and more than 800,000 men are physically assaulted or raped by an intimate partner each year.
But, abuse can take several different forms, such as emotional, verbal, stalking and the threat of abuse. Children who witness abuse are more prone to dating violence, delinquency, anxiety and depression.
Domestic Violence Awareness month begins Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Fort Sill Conference Center with a commander's proclamation. It will explain the Army's commitment to ending domestic violence.
Later in the week, family activities abound to promote bonding and abuse prevention. Lisa Jansen-Rees, FAP manager, said many people wonder how to prevent abuse.
"The answer is easy," Jansen-Rees said. "Strengthen yourself and your relationships."
The Lawton Community Theatre will offer a free performance of "The Spitfire Grill" Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the John Denny Playhouse for active duty service members and their families.
"The musical will make a great, frugal date night activity," Jansen-Rees said.
On Oct. 5, FAP launches Trailblazers, its newest program for parents and children aged 6-12. The first meeting, Nature Fest, is Oct. 5 at 10:30 a.m at Medicine Creek Park. Registration is required.
Another special event for the awareness effort is the play "Dodging Bullets," a one-man show depicting the true story of an abusive relationship that culminated in gunfire. The drama is weaved with humor, but intended for an adult audience. "Dodging Bullets" is Oct. 8-10 at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Sheridan Theater.
Lawton Crimestoppers will host the Moonlight Walk Against Drugs at Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. at Elmer Thomas Park. FAP will have an outreach booth at this event for people to visit and learn more about the link between substance abuse and domestic violence. Another FAP outreach booth will be set up at the Army 10 Miler Shadow Run, Oct. 20 at 8 a.m. at the New Post Chapel.
All throughout the month, military couples can strengthen their relationshisp by watching DVDs at home to learn about the Scream Free Marriage. The Scream Free Institute, a counseling organization that aims to better marriages by teaching partners to calm down, grow up and get closer, is led by Hal Runkel, a licensed marriage and family therapist. DVDs are available through battalion chaplains.
To help spread awareness and remind area communities that prevention resources are available, purple ribbons will be displayed throughout the month on patrol cars from the Elgin, Fetcher, Cache and Duncan Police departments, as well as patrol cars from the Comanche County Sheriff's Office, Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Highway Patrol and Comanche Nation Police.
To end domestic violence, recognize it, report it and prevent it. If you need help, call the Fort Sill Domestic Abuse Hotline at 580-574-0871 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE. In an emergency, call 911.
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