FORT RUCKER, Ala. (October 6, 2011) -- Fort Rucker senior leaders and community members gathered Oct. 3 to begin a month of Domestic Abuse Awareness activities.
The reading and signing of a proclamation acknowledged the Army's efforts to prevent domestic abuse by taking united action as a community.
The proclamation, issued and signed by Maj. Gen. Anthony G. Crutchfield, U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence and Fort Rucker commanding general, outlines the Army's commitment to providing services and support to Soldiers, Family members and Department of the Army civilians, especially those services that "create a climate of safety and respect" by "emphasizing the negative effects domestic abuse has on Family readiness."
"It was our first proclamation signing, and it went really well. Once the proclamation was signed by General Crutchfield, Col. James A. Muskopf, garrison commander, took the next step. Having those senior leaders there was so important, because they will encourage Soldiers to participate and support this effort," said Luticia Trimble-Smith, FAP manager.
After reading the proclamation, Muskopf spoke briefly about the community's commitment to preventing, reporting and supporting victims of domestic abuse. He then signed the proclamation, along with more than 90 members of the community.
"We can stop this," said Muskopf, echoing this year's theme for Domestic Abuse Awareness month "Together we can end domestic abuse: act now."
Crutchfield's proclamation stressed the importance of the many organizations available to the community, including FAP, the New Parent Support Program, Military Family Life Consultants and chaplains, stating that these partnerships can "help Families deal with the challenges that can lead to abuse."
At the event, FAP partnered with many other Fort Rucker organizations, including Army Substance Abuse Program, Social Work Services, Picerne Military Housing and Lyster Army Health Clinic Preventive Medicine, to provide information and representatives for the event.
"Partnering with the community is important. We can't do this alone. We want to encourage the community to make a commitment to let someone know," said Trimble-Smith
Army Substance Abuse Program, one of the partners at the proclamation signing and throughout the month of October, assisted by setting up informational awareness displays and assisting with cutting the cake provided by Picerne Housing. The partnership was because of the connection between substance abuse, mental health and domestic abuse, said Denise Clarke, ASAP Risk Reduction program coordinator.
"The proclamation signing strengthens the Army Family because it calls our attention to the problem by showing the attendees that we're not sweeping this information under a rug, but putting it up front with the intent to end domestic violence and restore the Army Family unit. I think the greatest thing we can do is speak out against domestic violence. We need to let those around us know that domestic violence is unacceptable," she said.
Domestic Abuse Awareness Month events will continue throughout the month, with Wear Purple day Oct. 13 and the "In Her Shoes: Living with Domestic Violence" presentation for commanders and senior leaders, Oct. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wings Chapel; and Family game night Oct. 21, 5-7 p.m. at the Commons.
For more information on Domestic Abuse Awareness events, or to find out about preventing, reporting and supporting victims of Domestic Abuse, call 255-3898.
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