Maxwell-Gunter marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month Published Sept. 24, 2010 By Kimberly L. Wright Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Maxwell-Gunter marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month The 42nd Medical Group's Family Advocacy Program is bringing attention to the issue of domestic abuse as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. "Domestic violence is about power and control. It's not about love," said April Jones, outreach manager for the Family Advocacy Program. Domestic violence affects individuals, families and communities. Victims and offenders can be any gender, but men report it less. Children are also impacted by domestic violence, she said, and sometimes those who grow up in an environment of violence perpetuate it in their own relationships, so breaking the cycle of violence is critical. What can you do? Beverly Lesyea, family advocacy officer, and Ms. Jones encourage victims and bystanders to help break the cycle of abuse. "Domestic violence is your business. We hope if you're a witness, that you take a stand," said Ms. Jones. If you hear it, pick up the phone, urged Ms. Lesyea. You can make an anonymous report during duty hours to FAP, she said, or call the police. People often know about domestic violence incidents and don't want to get involved, but if something happens to victim, the refrain is often "If only I could've..." said Ms. Lesyea. Similar to the Sexual Assault Response Program, the Family Advocacy Program offers restricted reporting to violence victims who are active duty and adult family members eligible to be seen at the clinic. When a restricted report is initiated, law enforcement and chain of command are not informed of the incident. Those who make a restricted report have access to services, treatment, access, legal assistance, shelter and counseling. The victim must also have a safety plan put in place. "If we can't put a safety plan in place, we can't offer restricted reporting," said Ms. Lesyea. Treatment Once a domestic violence event has occurred, treatment is "tailored to individual needs" of an individual, a couple or a family, said Ms. Jones. The first duty is to ensure safety for the victim. A psychoeducational class is offered. A skill-building prevention counseling program called Family Advocacy Strength-based Therapy or FAST is offered by Harriet Johnson, the family advocacy intervention specialist. Topics covered include communication, children, finances and deployment. "It is short-term counseling based on your strengths," and can last from four to six sessions, said Ms. Lesyea. FAST and new parent support is not documented in medical records, so those who access those preventive measures will not become part a maltreatment incidence case, said Ms. Jones. In addition, the base has two domestic abuse victim advocates, who work "solely and completely for the victim," said Ms. Lesyea, providing assistance, including linking victims up with legal services, checking in with the victim, safety planning, shelter and financial assistance. Victim advocate Mary Vanderman is available during duty hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and a half-day Friday at 953-5551 or via cell phone at 430-8459. After hours advocate Jackie Fowler is available after 4:30 p.m. at 430-8457. To help educate the medical providers and staff on base about domestic violence as part of Medical Readiness Training Day, "Take a Stand" will be held at the base theater on Oct. 21. The invited guests will gain two perspectives on domestic violence, one from a victim and one from a member of law enforcement. Guest speakers include Anita Washington, who worked at public health on base and was shot by her ex-husband in 2008, and Matthew Correia, an education services specialist at Community College of the Air Force. She previously served as an Air Force security forces officer. Ms. Jones encouraged people to come to them for help to end the cycle of violence, as treatment is not career-ending and is part of the healing process. "The sooner you come in for help, the better it will be and the better it is for the mission," she said.