ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Relationships should be safe, respectful and positive. Healthy relationships don’t just happen, they take time and effort. Every couple experiences relationship challenges. No matter how tough times get, commit to living by core values and working through problems in a healthy way. Don’t let individual or family stress escalate into domestic abuse.
At Robins Air Force Base, October is Triple Ribbon Month, which is designed to bring a renewed awareness focus on three important health issues: breast cancer, domestic violence, and drug abuse. In taking a closer look at domestic violence, a purple ribbon is the main awareness symbol for this cause.
No matter who you are, the odds are you know someone who has been affected by domestic violence. It may be your friend, a family member, coworker or neighbor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime with about 1 in 5 women and 1 in 12 men experiencing contact sexual violence by an intimate partner. On average, 24 people per minute are victims of partner abuse, totaling more than 12 million victims annually.
Children who witness domestic violence suffer crippling effects that impact generation after generation. This far reaching impact often includes delayed learning as a child and moves into adulthood harm via tobacco use, substance abuse, obesity, cancer, heart disease, depression and a higher risk of unintended pregnancy.
The 78th Medical Group Family Advocacy Program is here to provide a variety of helping tools that support the safety, well-being and readiness of the military community. Family Advocacy can help with developing healthy relationship skills and addressing common relationship challenges to prevent domestic abuse.
Additionally, Family Advocacy offers 24-hour victim advocacy services for adult victims of intimate partner violence. The 24-hour Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate response line is (478) 257-9071. Adult victims can request to file a restricted report when seeking help for abuse. Restricted reports are confidential and do not trigger investigations or involve command.
If you need more information about how to help stop abuse, improve your intimate partner relationships, expand your parenting skills, or get help managing anger, then call the 78th Medical Group Family Advocacy Program at (478) 327-8398.