Fleet and Family Readiness held Mission Possible, a domestic violence awareness and prevention seminar for Sailors at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor, Oct. 30.
The seminar provided Sailors with information and resources on reporting domestic violence, setting personal boundaries, developing communication skills, identifying domestic violence signs and supporting friends and family who are going through domestic violence.
“This is our first year doing this,” said Debi Avocato, victim advocate, Family Advocacy Program. “It’s about creating healthy relationships, skill building, and learning how to identify when someone is in an unhealthy relationship. We are trying to create a positive and creative learning environment to help Sailors identify abuse so those who need help can find it.”
The seminar was split into multiple rooms where Sailors participated in activities. One such activity involved stackable blocks with positive and negative phrases, which taught Sailors the harm words can have on relationships over time. Another involved a model of a volcano that depicted how stressors and abuse can be bottled up over time.
“Physical abuse is what we typically think of when we say domestic violence, but people don’t always notice the emotional abuse,” said Lauren Schanke, clinical counselor and family advocacy case manager, Family Advocacy Program. “While not everyone may see some of the scenarios we discuss as emotional abuse, others might, and that starts a conversation that lets people see other perspectives.”
Fleet and Family Readiness is responsible for policy development, resourcing and oversight of quality of life programs for Sailors and their families. The mission of the Fleet and Family Readiness team is to maximize the physical, emotional and social development of the Navy family.
“If you have a question, you’re unsure if something is considered abuse or if you just need some extra help, you should come to Fleet and Family,” said Schanke. “That’s why we are here, to help.”
For more information, visit Fleet and Family Resources or Fleet and Family Support Center websites at www.ffsp.navy.mil.