Stop Domestic Violence

RAISE AWARENESS

BY JEANNINE KOUASSI BAMBA

FAMILY & MWR DOMESTIC ABUSE VICTIM ADVOCATES

Domestic violence affects everyone regardless of one’s cultural identity.

It is a taught behavior that is not justified by conventional justification like drug abuse, rage, or psychological illness. Similar to the civilian community, domestic violence is a problem in military Families.

Statistics show the Department of Defense (DoD) office received 16,912 cases of spouse and intimate partner abuse and 15 fatalities in the financial year 2018. This is translating to about 7% of the military population.

Furthermore, the report indicated that younger service members and their families are at higher risk of becoming victims and offenders of domestic violence in the military community. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there were more domestic violence cases among the military community compared to the previous years. According to Army Family Advocacy Program statistics, there were 3,260 domestic abuse cases between October 2019 to May 2020. This report coincides with the civilian community, which indicated a rise in domestic violence during the pandemic. Considering this, the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates (DAVA) are determined to raise awareness about domestic violence with monthly events or activities on the installation to promote safety and healthy relationships. To raise awareness about domestic violence, the Family Advocacy Program (FAP) has events, classes and activities scheduled that promote safe and healthy relationships. Classes that will be available include Community Awareness, Command & Troop Education Programs, New Parent Support, Marriage Enrichment & Life Skills Education and Victim Advocacy Services.

In October, there will be an Education Day, Thanks for Asking exercise, and FAP will also collect personal hygiene donations for the Center against Family Violence Shelter to help those who are victims of Domestic and Family Violence. Other scheduled events can be found on bliss. armymwr.com or visit FAP, located at 2494 Ricker Road.

The DAVA’s mission is to prevent, promote, advocate and help service members and their families navigate the system within the installation and in the community. DAVAs provide crisis intervention, safety planning and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence. Advocates educate victims on what constitutes abuse, what their rights are, and services available for their needs. At the request of the victim, DAVAs will accompany victims to court proceedings, hearings, court martials, meetings with lawyers, law enforcement and commanders.

DAVAs also educate personnel on the installation regarding the most effective response to domestic violence on behalf of victims and at risk family members.

Family Advocacy Program/Domestic abuse victim advocate services are voluntary and are available to service members and family members eligible for care in a military treatment facility. This includes intimate partners who share a child in common with a service member, live with or previously lived with a service member. Dating partners and others may qualify for limited support and referrals as appropriate. Contact Fort Bliss Family Advocacy Program Victim Advocates for details.

DAVAs encourages everyone to reach out to individuals if they present signs such as visible bruises, injuries, frequent absences from work, personality changes, or low self-esteem.

Don’t hesitate to report domestic abuse, individuals can contact the Military Police (MP) if you live on the military installation, or Family Advocacy Program clinical directly at 915-742-2800 for all incidents of suspected child maltreatment or family violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence or have questions about the services, call the Family Advocacy Domestic Abuse Victim hotline; available 24/7 at 915-269-2013.

For more information about events, programs or classes, call 915-568-9129/9134.