Everyone has a role in preventing domestic violence

  • Published
  • By Lawanna Barron
  • Family Advocacy outreach manager
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Across the nation and within the Department of Defense, October is recognized as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Moody Air Force Base community is involved in preventing domestic violence, but our efforts must continue. We still have families who are traumatized by domestic violence.

Domestic violence impacts mission readiness and has a long-term impact on families. Offenders of domestic violence use emotional, physical and sexual abuse to control their victims. More than four million people are abused by their partners each year, resulting in serious injury or death. Anger, alcohol, drugs or stressors are never an excuse.

Domestic violence occurs regardless of age, gender, ethnicity and military rank. Also, children suffer when there is domestic violence in the home.

We must remain vigilant in supporting the right for everyone to live free from violence. Here are some things you as a community member can do to stop domestic violence before it begins:

· Respect yourself, your family and your community.
· Advocate that domestic violence is not acceptable.
· Promote domestic violence awareness by talking to your friends and family about this issue.
· Offer your support and understanding, not your judgment, to a friend or family member that you may be concerned about.
· Become active in recommending that pre-marital and marital couples attend a communication class or marriage retreat.
· Support your friends and family by informing them of resources that can help them if they are experiencing problems in their relationships.
· Talk to our youth to provide correct information about how they should be treated and should treat others when they are in a dating relationship.
· Report all suspected cases of spouse and child abuse to the Family Advocacy program. If the abuse is occurring and there is immediate danger, call 911. Also, The Haven, Shelter for Battered Women and Children, provides assistance to families.

Remember, each of us has a very important role in preventing domestic violence from occurring. We want all of our families to be healthy. Everyone is needed for the superior and incredible mission the 23rd Wing and 93rd Air Ground Operations Wing provides across the globe for our nation's defense.

For more information on prevention programs available or to report suspected abuse, please contact the Family Advocacy program at 229-257-4805.