Domestic Violence Awareness Month program set to inform, educate and connect with Fort Drum community members

Courtesy Photo | Brochures and information material on domestic violence and the Fort Drum Family Advocacy Program were available during the Domestic Violence Awareness Month events Sept. 18-19 at the Multipurpose Auditorium. (Photo by Staff Sgt. James Avery, 1st Brigade Combat Team PAO NCOIC)  

FORT DRUM, NY, UNITED STATES

09.21.2018

Story by Michael Strasser 

Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Sept. 21, 2018) -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but events kicked off early at Fort Drum with stage performances by the Fix the Hurt Performing Arts Group, Sept. 18-19, at the Multipurpose Auditorium.

Hundreds of Soldiers, Department of Defense civilians and family members attended the showings of “23 Bruises: The Lisa King Story” and “Domestic Violence: The Musical?” – both using a different theatrical approach to explain the characteristics of both the abused and abusers and identifying signs of domestic abuse.

Throughout the month of October, the Fort Drum Family Advocacy Program will host several other events, starting with a scavenger hunt for couples. Derrick Ellis, FAP manager, said that this event is a new initiative designed to promote community involvement and healthy relationships.

“It is an opportunity for our families to join others in the community in doing healthy and leisurely pursuits, and then sharing their successes,” he said. “Our program will list two activities on our Facebook page each week throughout October.”

Participants can visit www.facebook.com/FTdrumFAP to choose an activity and then post a photo of themselves performing the activity. Participants will be invited to a potluck dinner at the end of the month to be recognized and receive educational giveaways.

“It is our intent that not only will this initiative spread awareness of local and healthy pursuits, but it will link families with our resources and serve as a great way for families to network with each other,” Ellis said.

For married or dating couples, a free “Scream Free Sip and Paint” event is scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Oates Overview Recreational Facility. The goal is to use the arts to help strengthen relationships as attendees discover their “inner artist” while exploring different aspects of their personalities.

To pre-register, call [phone].

The Fort Drum FAP staff invites community members to “Relax on the River” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 18. Participants will learn about how stress-free yoga can help identify stressors, which can be minimized in a positive and healthy manner. The class will be held at Yoga on the River, 234 James Street in Clayton. Transportation is available. To register, visit www.fortdrumacs.checkappointments.com.

Fort Drum community members are invited to Family Night at the Commons, from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 and enjoy good food, activities and fellowship. The final DVAM event is “Karate Chop Your Anger in Half,” from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Army Community Service, 1780 Restore Hope Avenue.

Ellis said this is not about self-defense, but an opportunity to learn techniques proven to help control anger in a fun and engaging format.

“The fundamental techniques in karate, for example, are the same techniques needed to take control of our anger,” he said. “Deep breathing, understanding our consequences, maintaining patience and paying attention to non-verbal cues.”

To register, visit www.fortdrumacs.checkappointments.com.

Ellis said that the entire DVAM agenda was designed to provide community members with valuable prevention education without really knowing they are receiving during these stress and anger management activities.

“We wanted to spread awareness, educate the community and promote healthy relationships, while ensuring access to internal and external resources,” Ellis said. “Simply put, this is meant to prevent additional or ongoing abuse – to stop the cycle of violence.”

For more information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities, visit www.facebook.com/FTdrumFAP, www.drum.armymwr.com or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.21.2018
• Date Posted: 09.21.2018 09:21
• Story ID: 293881
• Location: FORT DRUM, NY, US