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National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Posted 10/2/2012 Updated 10/2/2012
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by Karen Bartholomeo
Family Advocacy
10/2/2012 - GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas- -- All around us there are individuals struggling to suppress the pain of domestic violence that permeates their daily lives, where some do not always survive.
They look to co-workers for words of encouragement. They engage others in needless confrontations. They do not focus on the day-to-day tasks assigned to them. They show up at work with bruises explained by stories of falling down stairs or running into doors.
They fear promotions at work or other positive opportunities because of the negative and volatile impact at home. They are all around us and yet they are invisible.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. This article is written to raise awareness and to urge others to break the silence about this issue to the general population.
Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship designed to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner.
Anyone at anytime can fall victim to domestic violence. It does not discriminate according to race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender. Domestic violence can happen to couples who are married, living together or who are dating.
It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels. There are many ways an individual can be abusive towards another person. Some include: physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.
Domestic violence is everyones' concern. It impacts the entire family. Children are harmed, directly and indirectly, by what they see or hear in their homes. It impacts the earning potential of families and the bottom line for businesses.
It is the most common cause of injury to young teens and woman ranging in ages of 15 to 44. More women are injured by domestic violence each year than by automobile accidents and cancer deaths combined. Each year, businesses forfeit $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity due to domestic violence.
Oftentimes, individuals in violent relationships think it is a normal way of life, which is far from the truth. Here is how we can continue to help and be better advocates; remind them that they matter and they have a voice.
Also, if you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the following - your partner verbally berates you with insults, continually criticizes you, does not trust you, acts jealous, possessive, and or tries to isolate you from family or friends - it may be an indication something is not going well in your relationship. There are people located in the Family Advocacy Office on base who are here to help anyone navigate these situations.
We want victims to understand they are not alone. Contrary to popular belief, there are many solutions to domestic violence such as counseling, family violence intervention and more.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP VICTIMS AND OFFENDERS?
· Listen when people are talking to you. Sometimes there is a hidden message we may need to hear.
· Do not be afraid to ask questions.
· Get information on resources that are available in the community.
· Donate to local shelters.
· Volunteer when you can.
· Talk about ending violence.
· Call Family Advocacy.
· Call 911.
If you are in danger call 911 or National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233), National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: 966-331-9474
If you need more information about resources, please contact Karen Bartholomeo, the Family Advocacy Outreach Manager at 325-654-5235.
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