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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Take a Stand

  • Published
  • By Beth Thomas
  • Family Advocacy Outreach Manager
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the primary objective is to increase awareness of how violence impacts families and communities.

To many individuals, domestic violence is horrific, unspeakable abuse that only happens in rare circumstances. It can range in severity with varying degrees of injury, like physical and emotional pain, and feelings of isolation, hopelessness, and helplessness.

Domestic violence or family violence occurs in families with diverse educational, racial or economic status, and it may look different from family to family. Family violence can have a tremendous impact on children, spouses, family members, friends coworkers and communities.

Children who witness family violence often experience setbacks in their physical, emotional, social, and moral/spiritual development. Spouses who experience violence may suffer from physical injuries and psychological trauma.

Unfortunately, family violence occurs in our military community as well, but with everyone's help, family violence can be prevented.

How to prevent family violence:

·  Help a friend, neighbor or relative. Someone you know may be isolated from the community. They may not know of the resources available on base. Invite them to participate in classes and programs with you.

·  Help yourself. When problems of everyday life pile up to the point that you feel overwhelmed and out of control, take time out. Don't take it out on your spouse or child. Take a deep breath, turn on some music or take a warm bath. Family Advocacy offers a stress management class. Call them at 784-5010 for more information.

·  Learn new skills. Couples communication teaches all couples how to communicate effectively and problem solve. The couples communication class is co-sponsored with the chapel. Call 784-5000 for more information.

·  Get involved. Be an advocate for services to help families. Ask your community leaders, clergy, library and schools to develop services to meet the needs of families. Take advantage of programs such as New Parent Support (Army), 1-2-3 Magic and Anger Management. Call family Advocacy at 784-5010 for more information.

·  Monitor your child's television and computer use. Children are impacted by the violence they are exposed to in the media. Watching violent films on television or playing violent computer games can cause harm to young children. Not only does it scare them, it also teaches children that aggression is a good way to handle frustration and solve problems.

·  Report suspected abuse or neglect. Keeping every member of our community safe is the responsibility of every person in our community. If you have reason to suspect a spouse or child has been or may be harmed, call Family Advocacy at 784-5010.