Family Advocacy hosts dancing event for domestic violence awareness

Photo By Staff Sgt. Savannah Waters | Mayuka Bolivar dances in a Zumba class held to raise awareness for domestic violence at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, Oct. 14, 2016. Zumba Fitness is a Latin inspired cardio-dance workout that uses music and choreographed steps, where participants imitate the steps of the instructor. The Family Advocacy Program hosted the event to help people gain information and awareness about domestic violence. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Savannah L. Waters)  

RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, RP, GERMANY

10.21.2016

Story by Airman 1st Class Savannah Waters 

86th Airlift Wing

The 86th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Program hosted a fitness dancing event to raise awareness for domestic violence Oct. 14, 2016.
Zumba Fitness is a Latin inspired, cardio-dance workout that uses music and choreographed steps, where participants imitate the steps of the instructor.
October is domestic violence awareness month, and the event was coordinated to raise awareness for domestic abuse within the community. It was also a way for people to channel their energy in a healthy manner by dancing and conditioning.
“We wanted to come up with something that didn’t have such a negative connotation,” said Melissa Garcia, 86th MDOS Family Advocacy Program outreach manager. “This was something a little more upbeat while still getting the point across and raising awareness.”
The event was free and open to ID card holders who were eligible to use the gym facilities. The attendees showed their support by wearing purple to the event.
"I was excited to be a participant to support and bring awareness to such an important cause,” said Master Sgt. Karen Marshall, United States Air Forces in Europe Headquarters Air National Guard executive assistant. “In terms of the Zumba class, it was a unique exercise opportunity to have three great and energetic Zumba instructors share their talent of exercise instruction. Each of them contributed their own flavor, which made it especially fun!”
The Family Advocacy Program deals with issues pertaining to abuse and neglect that takes place within a family, offering services such as stress and anger management, dating and healthy relationship awareness, and new parent support.
The program offers assessments, intervention and prevention of violence that takes place within a family, which deals with factors of interpersonal and intimate partner violence, child abuse and neglect.
There are three months throughout the year that concentrate on domestic violence awareness, teen dating violence awareness and child abuse awareness.
Several activities have taken place this month in support of domestic violence awareness, to include the fitness event and four informational displays. A candlelight vigil will be held on Oct. 27 at Ramstein Northside Chapel to take a moment and light a candle for survivors of interpersonal violence.
For more information, call Family Advocacy at 06371 46 2370, or use the 24/7 Victim Advocacy Hotline at 0173 628 4624.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2016
• Date Posted: 10.21.2016 09:49
• Story ID: 212540
• Location: RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH, RP, DE