Saying no to domestic violence

Published Oct. 25, 2011
By Airman Nigel R. Sims
th Space Wing Public Affairs

BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Members of Team Buckley, along with Family Advocacy and the Sexual Assault Awareness Center, are scheduled to host a free bowling event, available to all service members in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month Oct. 26.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month was conceived by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence with the intent to connect advocates across the nation to join

"October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month," said President Barack Obama. "We recognize the significant achievements we have made in reducing domestic violence in America and we re-commit ourselves to the important work still before us, despite tremendous progress," said Obama.

"An average of three women in America die as a result of domestic violence each day," said Pam Wamhoff, Family Advocacy coordinator. "One in four women and one in thirteen men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Many incidents of domestic violence go unreported."

"It is everyone's responsibility to play a role in ending domestic violence and to provide support for those families that need help and assistance due to violence within the home," said Wamhoff. "It is the right thing to do."

"Domestic violence has a profound negative effect on our military personnel, family members and mission," said Peggy Moore-McCoy, Buckley's Sexual Assault coordinator. "An act of violence within a family can cause a ripple effect, expanding far beyond the sphere of just the immediate family."

"Eliminating domestic violence cultivates a healthy and productive individual, family, military and society," said Moore-McCoy.

"There is a national slogan for the elimination of domestic violence, 'It stops with me!' This is a testament of many who are, or have been victims of domestic violence that have vowed not to let the violence continue in their families and lives," said Moore-McCoy.

"Those who come out to support these events are making a statement: awareness of the impact of domestic violence on our military and society, the belief that family violence can be prevented, and the willingness to be an active warrior in the fight against domestic violence," said Moore-McCoy.

There are many common causes that have and can lead to domestic violence. A few factors are a history of domestic violence in the childhood home, alcohol and drug use, previous trauma or reoccurring problematic issues and life stressors such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, and problems at work.

If ever faced with domestic violence, contact Family Advocacy immediately at 720-847-6453.The Family Advocacy Center is able to offer guidance and assistance with issues pertaining to domestic violence, especially those concerning reporting options and safety.