Violence Prevention: Speak up, stand up

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lauren M. Sprunk
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
The 23d Wing hosted Moody’s first Violence Prevention Awareness Event recognizing suicide prevention, drug abuse, stalking awareness and domestic violence prevention, Oct. 4, 2017, here.

During the event, Col. Jennifer Short, 23d Wing commander, and Col. Jeffery Valenzia, 93d Air Ground Operations Wing commander, signed a proclamation declaring October as Violence Prevention Awareness Month.

“This month is all about education,” said Short. “We want as many people as possible to understand that there are resources available to help them, and we want to get folks to speak up and stand up. Instead of focusing on the reaction, we want to prevent instances from happening and that starts with all of us.”

The creation of Violence Prevention Awareness Month correlates with the development of the Air Force’s Violence Protection Program and Green Dot training in 2016. Various agencies from the base educated Airmen and their families about violence prevention practices within this program.

“Sometimes we think that bad things won’t happen because we wear this uniform but, unfortunately, they do, and it’s just a matter of who, when and how we’re prepared to handle it,” said Master Sgt. Tai Gordon, a victim of domestic violence. “Because of this, making people aware of the helping agencies available is huge.”

These resources include Family Advocacy, the Sexual Assault and Response Counselor, Drug Demand Reduction and the Haven, an off-base shelter that provides services to victims of domestic violence.

“If the Airmen know where to go or their supervisors know where to send them, we can prevent something like an anger management issue from becoming a very serious or possibly fatal incident,” said Gordon. “That is what events like this are designed for.”

After the proclamation signing and educational portion of the event, Airmen and families in attendance kicked off the month with a 5k run/walk and signing of the Green Dot Pledge. By signing, Airmen pledged that there will be zero tolerance for violence at Moody.

“As a senior leader, I [sign this pledge] because I want my troops to know that I’m standing against violence, I’m aware, I’m here to help and I know my resources,” said Gordon.

For more information about violence protection, counseling or reporting, contact Family Advocacy at 229-257-4805.

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