ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- The recent proclamation from the White House proclaiming October as National Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month stated, “Everyone deserves to live free from the fear of violence, especially in their own home.”
This month, everyone can take one action to stop this epidemic and promote healthy relationships.
On average, 24 people per minute in the U.S. are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner. Unfortunately, countless others are subject to emotional, verbal, financial and other types of abuse.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 and older in the U.S. have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. Intimate partner violence alone affects more than 12 million people every year.
One isn’t just a number; it’s someone – a family member, a neighbor, a coworker, a friend. Domestic violence affects all of us, and all of us must be part of the solution. Getting involved in DVAM is a great way to stand up for survivors while raising awareness and starting a conversation about preventing domestic violence at Arnold Air Force Base.
Join us in wearing purple on Oct. 24.
“Purple Thursday” is an annual day to show support for survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The color purple is a symbol of peace, courage, survival, honor and dedication to ending violence.
You may have noticed new purple domestic violence posters displayed throughout the bathrooms on base. In addition to the support of the national helpline, you can also reach out for confidential assistance to the Family Advocacy Program at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, by calling 850-290-7389.
Even though we do not have a FAP office on site at Arnold AFB, that does not mean you can’t still receive assistance and advocacy from the Air Force. FAP will promote public awareness within the military community and coordinate professional intervention at all levels within the civilian and military communities, including law enforcement, social services, health services and legal services.
FAP Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates provide 24-hour telephone and face-to-face non-clinical crisis response and support to adult victims of domestic violence and intimate partner sexual assault and will discuss reporting options. All adult victims referred to FAP will have access to immediate and ongoing FAP DAVA support services, including crisis intervention, safety planning, court or medical accompaniment, and information and referrals. Where no DAVA is assigned or available within the installation FAP, victims will be referred to DAVA services within the local civilian community.
DAVAs will provide:
• Crisis intervention and support
• Safety assessment and planning
• Information on reporting options
• Coordination of emergency services, transportation, housing, food, etc.
• Information on the Transitional Compensation Program for abused dependents
• Assistance in obtaining military and civilian protective orders
• Accompaniment through the medical, investigative and legal processes
• Representation of victims’ interests at Family Advocacy Case Review Committee meetings
• Comprehensive information and referrals on relevant local military and civilian resources
For more information, please visit the FAP’s webpage on the Military OneSource at www.militaryonesource.mil/preventing-violence-abuse/.
Air Force Family Advocacy Program Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy 24/7 hotline numbers can be found at www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/aboutus/SAPR/AF%20FAP%2024-7%20Hotline%20Numbers.pdf.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, immediate and confidential help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline by visiting thehotline.org, calling 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224), or texting “START” to 88788.