WASHINGTON - The Department of Defense and all military branches are observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month as an opportunity to inform service members and their spouses about domestic violence prevention efforts, as well as reporting options for victims.
Domestic violence cuts across all age groups and social classes - for men as well as women. Service members and spouses alike can be victims. Domestic violence can be physical, but can also fall into other non-physical types of cruelty. It includes emotional abuse, such as threats, isolation, extreme jealousy and humiliation. It includes sexual abuse. Whenever an adult is placed in physical danger or controlled by threat or use of physical force by their spouse or intimate partner, he or she has been abused. The risk for abuse is greatest when victims are separated from supportive networks.
There are two types of reporting options, restricted and unrestricted. Restricted reports do not involve a military chain of command or law enforcement. Unrestricted reports will include some type of investigation by a command or law enforcement. Both options make the full range of advocacy, medical and counseling services available to victims.
Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling has scheduled several events during the month of October to improve awareness of domestic violence and support the silent victims. It's an opportunity to attend and show your support to victims and give them the strength to break their silence.
For assistance or more information about National Domestic Violence Awareness events throughout the base, contact JBAB's Military and Family Support Center at 202-433-6150 or the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate at 202-433-9743, or email amelia.flores1.ctr@navy.mil.