PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - Picatinny Arsenal officials kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a proclamation signed by Picatinny Arsenal Garrison Commander Lt. Col. Alexander D. Burgos during the garrison’s all-hands meeting on Oct. 4.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized annually in October. The U.S. Army’s goal is to raise awareness of the warning signs of relationship abuse and to help individuals and couples address any problems early.
The proclamation that Burgos signed underscores that domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects all communities regardless of age, race, disability, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. The proclamation also serves an educational tool, noting that domestic abuse is devastating to service members, civilians, their partners, and families. Such abuse can have profound consequences that include diminished mission readiness.
The 2023 Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign encourages the military community to speak up and share information about preventing domestic abuse and supporting those who have experienced it.
This year’s campaign seeks to support victims with a clear message: If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, you don't have to face it alone.
“Four in 10 American women and nearly three in 10 American men are still impacted by sexual abuse, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetimes.,” according to the presidential proclamation signed by President Joe Biden.
Army families are an integral part of the community. If you have concerns that someone from the Army community is a victim of domestic abuse, let them know there are several avenues for reporting domestic abuse. They include the service member’s command, Family Advocacy, and military law enforcement. The Army’s Family Advocacy Program office will connect victims to services and resources.
“We encourage our community to speak up and understand the tools and resources we have available to address domestic abuse,” said Burgos. “We want people to reach out to our Family Advocacy Program to prepare, prevent, and protect our community from domestic violence.”
Everyone plays a role in upholding the Army values and standards that support safe and healthy relationships with positive communication in the military community. For the Army to be fully ready to meet its mission of preventing domestic violence, every person must commit to speaking up.
You can make a difference in a victim’s life by speaking up and reaching out to the Family Advocacy Program, Military OneSource, and the National Domestic Hotline.
Family Advocacy Program and other Army Family programs are readily available to help through relationship workshops, anger management classes, support groups, and counseling.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline number: (800) 799-7233, text and live chat: thehotline.org
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