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Family Advocacy Program to promote Domestic Violence Awareness during October

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cierra Presentado
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
The Family Advocacy Program promotes National Domestic Violence Awareness during October with events geared toward ensuring all base service members and their families are aware of domestic violence.

The FAP will kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a proclamation signing signed by Brig. Gen. Andrew Toth, 36th Wing commander, that signifies the start of the month and the events to be held.

"We have many events planned this month to get the word out about domestic violence," said Lori Naputi, 36th Medical Operations Squadron education services facilitator. "This topic is so important among our Airmen and we want to use this time to really broadcast the issue to Team Andersen."

Some of the events to be held throughout the month include a baked goods and information fair to take place from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oct. 10, at the Andersen Base Exchange. A joint outreach in which the Andersen and Navy FAP staff get together, takes place from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Oct. 15, at the Naval Base Guam Exchange. A SAFE-T ribbon walk takes place from 4-5 p.m., Oct. 16, at the Arc Light Park. During the walk, all participants will be given a purple shirt and will form a human ribbon.  A glow-in-the-dark Zumbathon takes place from 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Oct. 22, at the base track. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the "Day of Unity" held in October 1981 and was conceived by the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. In October 1987, the first DVAM was observed. In 1989, the U.S. Congress passed Public Law 101-112 designating Oct of that year as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout this month, all programs and activities are geared toward raising the awareness of domestic violence with a focus on the message that "Relationships should be safe, respectful and positive," promoting individuals and communities to build and nurture healthy relationships and ultimately stand up against domestic violence.

The FAP offers courses that cover topics from communication to parenting classes.

"We offer individual, couples and family counseling for victims of domestic violence who are eligible for services within the Military Treatment Facility," said Capt. Melanie Roserie, 36th Medical Operations Squadron, family advocacy officer. "We encourage anyone who is involved in an abusive relationship to tell someone they trust and utilize the base or community resources to get help."

The FAP provides classes that include the Couples Communication, Life in Balance (stress/anger management). Also, parenting classes are offered such as the 1-2-3 Magic, Love and Logic and Active Parenting of Teens. Additional prevention services offered by the FAP include the New Parent Support Home Visitor Program and a 24/7 Dads class.

If someone finds themselves in an abusive situation, anyone who is eligible for MTF services can always come to the FAP during walk-in hours from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233. For emergencies or after hours, individuals are encouraged to talk to their command, call 911 for help, go to the Naval Hospital emergency room or go to a shelter within the community.

For information on events or to talk to the FAP staff, call 366-5167.