CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - On average, three women in the United States lose their lives every day from domestic-violence incidents, according to President Barack Obama's 2012 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation.
In response, Camp Pendleton joined the national campaign this October to prevent such violence by heightening awareness and advertising intervention resources and programs.
Prevention and education specialist Stacey Willis said the base, with its programs to assist service members and their families cope with personal and family challenges, has adopted the "It takes All of Us" slogan to reinforce that everyone needs to be aware of domestic violence and should speak up when it happens.
"Domestic violence is allowed to continue when we keep silent about the problem. We must not keep silent about this issue," Willis said. "We all can strive to live a violence-free life within our homes and our communities."
Willis said Marines and sailors can aid in prevention by respecting others. She added that leadership roles are critical in establishing a climate in which demeaning behavior is not accepted and offenders are held accountable.
Moreover, uniformed victim advocates at all Marine Corps commands act as liaisons to help those affected by domestic violence or sexual assault.
"For far too long, domestic violence was ignored or treated as a private matter where victims were left to suffer in silence without hope of intervention," stated the president in his proclamation. "We stand with all those who have been affected by this terrible crime, recognize the individuals and groups who have stepped forward to break the cycle of violence, and recommit to putting an end to domestic violence in America."
Help is available online at www.militaryonesource.com or by phone at 1-800-342-9647. Help is also available in buildings 1122 and 520512 or by calling 760-725-9051 and 760-763-6940.