Know the Signs: Camp Pendleton leadership addresses domestic violence

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

10.15.2021

Story by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts 

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

Domestic violence can occur anywhere, even in the military and at any rank. Fortunately, Camp Pendleton leadership remains committed to ensuring service members and the base community are cognizant of potential warning signs and the resources available to help prevent domestic violence before it begins.

“Whether physical, emotional or verbal, abuse of any kind goes against our core values,” said U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth, the commanding general of MCI-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “Domestic violence not only negatively impacts survivors, but our entire organization.”

Woodworth and his wife, Renee, recently released a personal message to the Marines, sailors, civilians and family members of Camp Pendleton directing them to seek out the preventative resources and support available within the community.

“We all play a role in preventing abuse,” said Renee Woodworth, during the video. “Learn the signs of domestic violence and reach out for help if you need it. If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence, contact your local Family Advocacy Program office for resources and support.”

The Family Advocacy Program’s primary goal is to prevent and respond to a wide variety of abuse, including domestic abuse and intimate partner violence in military families. They work with civilian social service agencies, medical providers, law enforcement, legal personnel, chaplains, and child youth programs to enable a unified response throughout the community. The FAP program plays a vital role in ensuring the appropriate measures and support are available to victims of domestic violence.

“Family Advocacy offers advocates to victims so they have support, safety planning, correct information, access to resources, referrals for whatever is needed, accompaniment for law enforcement or legal matters, and can be a liaison between the command and the victim if necessary,” said Stacey Grabman, the Family Advocacy Program manager with Marine and Family Programs on Camp Pendleton. “Victims can also make a restricted report, if they qualify, if they are not ready to formally come forward. Family Advocacy also offers counseling and a variety of classes for both victim and offender so we can stop the cycle of abuse.”

There are many types of abusive behavior, including intimidation, isolation, and verbal, emotional and physical abuse. No matter the type of the abuse that takes place, they all have lasting negative consequences. These consequences can manifest themselves in a variety of mental health-related issues, which if not properly handled can have tragic outcomes. Having resources readily available to victims is critical to a healthy recovery from abuse.

Domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of rank and gender. Warning signs may be difficult to spot, but can make all the difference in helping someone silently suffering through the trauma of domestic violence. Keeping a keen eye out for instances of agitation, anxiety, constant apprehension, or canceling appointments at the last minute can all be indicators that someone is suffering from domestic violence. Domestic violence is preventable through early detection of these warning signs allowing for the proper resources to be contacted before a situation arises or further deteriorates.

“In order to prevent domestic violence we must intervene very early in someone’s relationship, or even prior to having an intimate partner relationship,” said Grabman. “Take the time to know someone first before jumping into a situation.”

Properly identifying the signs of domestic violence and abuse directly aids in increasing the overall safety and readiness of Marines. For more information about Camp Pendleton’s Family Advocacy Program, visit http://www.mccscp.com/familyadvocacy. The Woodworth’s message about domestic violence can be found at https://www.dvidshub.net/video/816091/psa-domestic-violence-awareness-month.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2021
• Date Posted: 10.25.2021 18:37
• Story ID: 407395
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US