CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Domestic abuse is an important issue which affects our families, the base community and the Air Force.
In an effort to prevent crimes and help victims, October has been named Domestic Abuse Awareness Month.
According to the Family Violence Prevention fund:
· Nearly one in four women in the U.S. report being a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lives.
· In the United States, 15.5 million children live in families where partner violence occurred at least once in the past year, and seven million children live in families where severe partner violence occurred. These children suffer both short term and long term consequences from the exposure.
· Approximately one in three adolescent girls in the United States is a victim of physical, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, making it the most prevalent type of abuse affecting youth.
· One in five tweens, ages 11 to 14, say they have friends who are victims of dating violence.
Although men are victims of domestic violence as well, it is reported less and studied less, making it more difficult to get a true understanding of its prevalence. Studies have indicated women perpetrate violence in relationships as well, and often violence is mutual.
When people hear the term domestic abuse, they may think of a movie like "The Burning Bed" or "Enough" where a woman is severely beaten and stalked and, at times even killed. Cases like this do occur, but the majority of domestic violence incidents are not as extreme.
Domestic abuse ranges from emotional and verbal abuse, to physical and sexual abuse. It can start with arguing, progress to yelling and calling each other names and escalate to throwing things or becoming physically violent. These types of arguments can develop into situations which could be considered abuse and negatively affect the couple and their children.
Very few individuals have not been affected by abuse at some point in their lives. So, what can be done about it? Start by being aware of how spouse's arguments occur and what is being taught to children. Exposure to this type of arguing in one's family can be acknowledged and making better choices can stop the trend.
Take opportunities to learn better conflict resolution skills and choose to disagree with a partner in a more healthy way. Teach our children they should not allow themselves to be victims or perpetrators of abuse and to come forward when they witness abuse.
To acknowledge this month and its significance, Family Advocacy will post an article every week. Topics will include, effects of domestic violence abuse on children, teen violence and effective conflict resolution.
Domestic violence is a problem in our community and it is not solved by turning a blind eye. Partners, children, friends and neighbors deserve acknowledgement and treatment for this issue.
Don't let domestic abuse go unreported. Help is available. To report an incident or learn ways to improve communication skills, contact Family Advocacy at 963-6504.