October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, domestic abuse is the single largest cause of injury to women ages of 15-44 in the U.S. Domestic abuse harms more women than muggings, car accidents, and rapes combined. Men are also at risk of domestic abuse and our community is not immune.

This year’s theme for Domestic Violence Awareness Month is “It Starts with Respect:  Live by Core Values to Keep Your Relationship Healthy and Strong.”

Mutual respect is a central element of healthy relationship core values. The Family Advocacy Program aims to facilitate a culture of sensitivity regarding domestic abuse and child maltreatment prevention within our community.

Family Advocacy’s mission is to prevent domestic and child abuse through education programs, and communication with families before abuse occurs. The program’s focus is mission readiness with a goal of promoting safe, stable and nurturing family atmospheres.

Team Seymour promotes strong individuals and families through spiritual and emotional growth, and mental and physical health. This empowers community members to adapt and thrive during unique challenges associated with the Air Force way of life.

Together, leaders across our installation are spreading the word that Domestic Violence Awareness Month may only last during October, but everyone needs to be conscious of domestic violence issues year round. Even one incident is one too many.

Stop by the Base Exchange Lobby during the month of October to view the Silent Witness Exhibit. The exhibit represents Air Force victims whose lives were taken by domestic violence.  

Keep an eye out for additional traveling signs posted around the base with additional domestic violence awareness information and statistics.

For more information contact the Family Advocacy Program at (919) 722-1878 or the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate anytime at (919) 230-2980.

If in need of assistance, members can also contact the following helping agencies: 

· Mental Health: (919) 722-1878

· Security Forces: (919) 722-1211

· Wayne Uplift- Domestic Violence Shelter: (919) 736-1313

· National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE

· Child protective services intake line: (919) 580-4034

. Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647