By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Molly Greendeer
Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs
NORFOLK - October is recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout the Navy. Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk is doing its part to educate personnel on the dangers and effects of domestic violence and encouraging everyone to do their part to stop it should it occur.
"Domestic violence happens in all types of families and relationships," said Vice Adm. William Moran, deputy chief of naval operations (manpower, personnel, training and education), in a Navywide message. "The Navy is absolutely committed to strengthening families and preventing abusive behavior. We must continually strive to create an organizational culture that encourages speaking out and taking action to prevent domestic violence incidents. We cannot remain silent; prevention and intervention programs are available for anyone who needs help."
This year the Navy has adopted, "Silence hides violence," as its DVAM theme to encourage every member of every community to use their voices against domestic violence. The theme will also center on the impact of getting help for a victim of abuse, as well as the consequences of a victim and the community remaining silent in the face of abuse.
"Just like sexual assault, domestic violence is not something we tolerate here at NAVSTA Norfolk," said Capt. David A. Culler, NAVSTA Norfolk commanding officer. “I greatly appreciate all the hard work of the family advocacy program coordinators, both Navy and civilian. Our goal is to prevent domestic violence from happening by educating our sailors and raising as much awareness as possible. What is most important is ensuring the victims get all the help they need and offenders are held accountable for their actions.”
Throughout the month, sailors and civilian employees were encouraged to participate in projects and events being conducted at NAVSTA Norfolk and throughout local communities. These efforts will help garner interest in stopping domestic violence. Culinary Specialist 1st Class Karen Thompson, one of NAVSTA Norfolk’s family advocacy program coordinators, said it is important for both our sailors and civilians to understand the initiatives on bases and in the community.
“From a walkathon and information tables, to making a giant human purple ribbon on the parade field, Naval Station has done it all,” said Thompson. “We are even posting daily facts about domestic violence on the NAVSTA Norfolk Facebook page to raise awareness daily. We hope by getting maximum command involvement that we can better educate sailors and help prevent domestic violence all together.”
A DVAM training was held on NAVSTA Norfolk to educate sailors and civilians on what domestic violence is and what everyone can do to stop it. Kim Tarshis, a family violence prevention educator with the Norfolk Fleet and Family Support Center, and guest speaker, encouraged participants to get involved in the prevention of domestic violence by educating themselves on what warning signs to look for how to get the victims the help they need.
“The problem is not getting people to acknowledge domestic violence is an issue, it is getting people to connect themselves to the issue and understanding their part in prevention and reporting,” said Tarshis. “One in four women and one in six men are victims of domestic violence, you may never be a victim or assailant, but the numbers suggest you know someone who will be.”
Tarshis said like sexual assault prevention, there are two different avenues of reporting: restricted and unrestricted. For both sexual assault and domestic violence, the victim may make an unrestricted or restricted report. The difference between bystander reporting for the two is in domestic violence, a bystander can only file an unrestricted report whereas with sexual assault they also have the option to make an restricted report.
Once reported, the FAP coordinators and counselors and Fleet and Family Services can make recommendations to the sailors command as to which avenue to take.
“We cannot force anyone to take any class or to attend counseling,” said Tarshis. “Once the recommendations are passed to the sailors command it is at their discretion to get involved. Our goal is to prevent domestic violence by encouraging people to examine their own behavior and take steps to learn and practice more healthy behaviors."
Chief Operations Specialist Kevin Wyche, a command managed equal opportunity manager for NAVSTA Norfolk, said command leadership is responsible for putting themselves in the sailors business by means of intrusive leadership and making sure they follow through with the recommendations and get the help they need.
“We have Intrusive leadership so that the deck plate leader and the Sailor share responsibility for a sailor's success or failure,” said Wyche. “An intrusive leader is actively concerned for the welfare of every sailor under their charge. This requires responsible, proactive behavior on the part of the leader. Sailors don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
Tarshis ended by reminding everyone about the numerous classes and counseling services offered by the Norfolk Fleet and Family Support Center.
“The resources are out there,” said Tarshis. “Please do not hesitate to contact our staff for assistance.
The CNIC Family Advocacy Program website explains that domestic abuse can be defined as a pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Domestic abuse can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, educational level or socioeconomic background. Furthermore, domestic abuse can happen to couples in any stage of a relationship from dating to married. It can include physical abuse, emotional abuse - such as threats, isolation, extreme jealousy and humiliation - and sexual abuse. Children are also at risk of domestic abuse; child abuse is the physical or sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment or neglect of an unmarried person under 18 years old.
Tarshis explained that victims of domestic violence can seek help by contacting their nearest Military Family Advocacy Program. In situations where a victim is in immediate danger, individuals should call 911.
“All duty watch standers should have the 24-hour domestic violence hotline number,” said Tarshis.
The concept of Domestic Violence Awareness Month began as a "Day of Unity" in October 1981, and soon after evolved into an entire week. In 1987 the first monthly observance took place. Two years later Congress passed a law officially designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
For more information about DVAM and domestic violence, or to learn more on how to help, visit the CNIC Family Advocacy Program website at www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program/family_advocacy.html.