Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Introduced in 1981, Domestic Violence Awareness Month aims to focus attention and support to the millions of people – women, men and children – in the United States who are impacted every year by domestic violence. Domestic violence reaches beyond all boundaries of race, ethnicity, religion, and economic status and may show itself in many forms such as hitting, strangulation, threatening, manipulating, or yelling. Domestic violence is a crime that is very harmful and usually gets worse with time, sometimes resulting in death. An abuser can be anyone, but usually they are the people that are in the closest relationship with a victim. Every day, almost 20 people a minute are physically abused by someone close to them, often occurring behind closed doors. An alarming statistic is that as many as 3 out of 4 Americans know someone who has, or is currently being abused. Too often nothing is done about it. Through awareness and education programs, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) strives to promote healthy, respectful and nonviolent relationships so that we can end domestic violence. We all have the power to take action to keep our Fort Benning community safe. Be aware of warning signs of domestic violence, have the courage to listen to and believe the victim and become familiar with available resources. Specially trained Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVA) are available to provide support, information and referrals to individuals who experience domestic violence. They are here to help victims feel empowered and make informed decisions. Seek Victim Advocacy services by calling 706-545-3202 or 706-626-2614; after hours 762-408-4076. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is also available 24/7 by calling 1-800-799-SAFE. The Fort Benning FAP will be hosting special events and virtual trainings offering CEUs this October. Stay connected to the MWR Facebook page and installation marquees for updates or call 706-5450892 for more information. Be on the lookout for purple ribbons in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Let’s work together to protect the women, men and children of the Fort Benning community and put an end to domestic violence.