Since October 2014, Fort Irwin has averaged six reported incidents of domestic violence a month. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Couples in the military are no exception.
To raise awareness about this problem, providing information about how to prevent, intervene and access services that address domestic violence, Fort Irwin's Family Advocacy Program will host the third annual Lantern Walk, as part of the annual nationwide observance of Domestic Violence Month in October.
Soldiers, Civilians, and Families Members are encouraged to participate in the Lantern Walk on Wednesday, October 7 at 6 p.m. The walk of about one mile, will start at the Fort Irwin Events and Catering Center's (Samuel Adams) parking lot and will loop back to the parking lot.
"Like last year, we will be hosting a children's costume contest for all ages, as well as prizes and giveaways," said Julie Moore, Fort Irwin Victim Advocate. "We invite all of Fort Irwin to join us at this event. It takes the whole village of Fort Irwin to resolve this problem."
"You can show your support by wearing purple every Friday in October," said Pryscilla Villanueva, Fort Irwin's other Victim Advocate. "We would also like you to post your pictures on Fort Irwin's Family Advocacy Program Facebook page ("Fort Irwin Fap"). Include in your photo caption, the text: #IRWINPURPLE. The hashtag will turn blue, when you click to post, and your photo will be shown with all photos that have the same hashtag."
For more information about domestic violence and the resources available to the Fort Irwin community, contact the Family Advocacy Program, located behind the Mary Walker Clinic in Building 181 or contact our confidential 24/7 hotline at 760-267-6792.
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