CFAY Fleet & Family shine a light on domestic violence prevention

Photo By Ryo Isobe | YOKOSUKA, Japan (June 8, 2022) — Community members onboard Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) participate in a Family Employment Readiness Fair hosted by the Fleet and Family Support Center. The event provided participants with opportunities to speak with employers from various on-base organizations and resume writing guidance from certified reviewers. For more than 75 years, CFAY has provided, maintained, and operated base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s forward-deployed naval forces, tenant commands, and thousands of military and civilian personnel and their families. (U.S. Navy photo by Ryo Isobe)  

YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JAPAN

10.15.2021

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Conner Houghtaling 

Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and with it comes a command-wide conversation on how domestic violence (DV) can impact the wellness and readiness of Sailors and their family members.
To bring that conversation forward, Counseling and Advocacy Supervisors at the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) Lisa Ottemiller and Kristen Sweet speak about the warning signs of DV, as well as what bystanders can do to intervene and supply victims with the resources that they may need.
The Fleet and Family Support Center offers a myriad of services to assist in all domestic issues. Program services generally include public awareness campaigns, parenting support, safety planning for victims, and clinical treatment.
"I think awareness is the first step in prevention," said Sweet. "When people are knowledgeable about healthy relationships, signs of abuse, patterns of DV, generational patterns, and aggressive or controlling behaviors, they are less likely to engage in harmful behaviors and more likely to focus on healthy ones."
Sweet, in her role as the FFSC supervisor for non-clinical counseling, noted that there are common patterns in patients’ behaviors that she has noticed and would like to intercept.
"I think there is a lot of shame for people who might be in an abusive relationship," said Sweet. "People are not always clear on what abuse is, and so they continue to be in relationships that are not healthy because they believe that it is 'normal,' or they excuse away the offender’s behaviors."
Ottemiller adds that in her role as the supervisor for the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) and New Parent Support services, she often counsels service members and their families about the perils of DV.
“There are a lot of options and avenues you can go through, and not many people know this,” said Ottemiller. “Making a report to security is a big one. Sometimes individuals don’t want to report themselves or be blamed for reporting their spouse, so if a bystander can, then they definitely should make a statement. Making a statement is officially bearing witness to something that someone else might not want to admit, and that can be a life-changing event.”
Ottemiller said a key piece of the work they do at FFSC is breaking down and de-stigmatizing DV, while honing in and focusing on the root of relationship problems and abuse.
“Especially when you’re OCONUS, leaving a long-time relationship can be difficult,” Ottemiller said. “So, it’s important that we’re here to listen, and we’re not going to judge anybody, and we’re here for them. There will always be help available.”
Ottemiller also mentioned that being aware of your rights can help free potential victims from future DV cases.
“It’s important to have a plan,” Ottemiller said. “It’s important to always consider your safety and your children’s safety, if there are children involved.”
There are multiple reporting options for victims in the form of restricted and unrestricted reports. A restricted report ensures confidentiality, counseling, and medical services without command involvement, while unrestricted reports also notify both the command and law enforcement.
To report domestic violence or child abuse call: DSN 243-7878 or 046-816-7878 for off base assistance. Potential victims or bystanders can also call the FAP duty phone at 080-5511-4498.

• Date Taken: 10.15.2021
• Date Posted: 11.03.2021 23:32
• Story ID: 408654
• Location: YOKOSUKA, KANAGAWA, JP