Editor’s Note: Click on the following link https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortknoxky/albums/72177720336370612 for more photos of the month’s event.
FORT KNOX, Ky. — Happy children strolled into Fort Knox Army Community Services Oct. 22 filled with smiles in anticipation of filling their buckets full of treats at the Frightfully Fun Trick‑or‑Treat Family Connections event.
While the staff of ACS didn’t disappoint, there was one serious topic on their minds at the pre-Halloween event: educating attendees about domestic violence.
“We want all victims to know that we believe them and that their story will be heard,” said Astrid Lopez Perez, Fort Knox domestic violence victim advocate. “We want them to know there are options.”
Their efforts highlighted the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which emphasized this year’s theme: “With Survivors, Always!”
Congress authorized the first DVAM in October 1989, originally intended to make communities aware of the threats of domestic abuse. That awareness this year came in the form of posters, signs and activities.
The activities included a monthlong challenge to walk “A Mile In Their Shoes—” a personal or group activity in which community members walked at their own pace and recorded their name and miles walked on purple ribbons at one of the four fitness centers on post throughout the month of October.
Other events included a community proclamation signing event Oct. 7 during the newcomer orientation at Saber & Quill. Purple Thursday on Oct. 22 included the Halloween-themed event at ACS.
Lopez Perez said the focus of victim advocates in recent years has shifted more toward action rather than just awareness. Some of that action comes in the form of resources.
“We at Army Community Services and Family Advocacy Program have a plethora of resources available for people,” said Lopez Perez. “We’re willing to assist victims with whatever they need to get them through the situation that they’re in right now.”
Lopez Perez said domestic abuse is not easy to talk to somebody else about for many victims, and it is even harder to walk away from.
“It can take up to seven times or more for a victim to come forward and make a disclosure,” said Lopez Perez. “We totally respect them and their right to self-determination, but we’re here to assist them and support them through whatever they choose to do.”
For more information, call the Family Advocacy Program at 502-888-5796.
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