Family Advocacy Program aims to prevent, treat spousal, child abuse

By Amy SunseriMarch 7, 2013

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

He raised his hand in anger as she cringed in the corner, wondering what she had done to provoke him. However, he paused for a moment as he had learned to do during a recent anger management class he'd attended, and then he lowered his arm.

"Honey, we need to talk ..."

The Family Advocacy Program, or FAP, at Army Community Service, or ACS, provides information to assist in preventing and treating child and spouse abuse. The program also encourages people to report victims. It is designed to help break the cycle of abuse by offering services as early as possible.

"FAP accomplishes this by offering awareness programs by continued partnership with installation and community resources and by offering services to support and target high-risk Families," explained Elaine Maher, Family Advocacy Program manager.

Active duty Soldiers, their Families, retirees and military identification cardholders over 18 are served by FAP. It is also a treatment program for those who have been involved with abuse, Maher explained.

The program coordinates with all levels of the installation and community to provide education and training. The treatment may be provided by counseling groups designed to promote education with support available through ACS.

"FAP is divided into prevention services available through ACS, and treatment which is located at Raymond W. Bliss Army Medical Center social work department," said Maher. "Cases where allegations of child or spousal abuse have been identified are assessed by clinical staff and brought before a case review committee designed to focus on treatment plans. Identification of allegations may come from self reporting, Child Protective Services, medical treatment facilities or from the military or civilian law enforcement agencies," she added.

FAP services at ACS have victim advocates who are available to support those in need on a walk-in basis or through 24/7 emergency assistance.

"Those who have questions about personal safety are encouraged to come in and meet with a victim advocate on a confidential basis," Maher stated.

Fort Huachuca's Family Advocacy Program personnel are offering several new classes to include mindfulness, parent support and health alternatives.

Mindfulness is an awareness and stress-reduction skill program. Classes meet Wednesdays at noon. The 45-minute "mindfulness" session is designed to increase attention and focus, and decrease stress reactions.

Parent Support classes meet Thursdays at 11 a.m. Each class focuses on learning new ways to discipline children.

"Partners and communication, what everyone needs to know" meets Tuesdays from 1 -- 2 p.m., for a discussion on healthy alternatives for domestic violence. The class focuses on building communication skills.

Anger and stress management classes are forming, and instructors can come to organizations or groups to meet with personnel, according to Maher.

All classes are held at ACS, Building 50010. For more information on FAP, call Maher, 533.6873/2330.