October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

By Fleet and Family Support Center

"Many people believe that Domestic Violence only involves physical contact (i.e. hitting, choking, etc.) or use of a weapon. While these are the ones we hear about most often, emotional and verbal abuse occurs more often but are not reported. It is unfortunate that couples do not seek help when emotional and verbal abuses are occurring as these can eventually escalate to physical abuse. Also, many people believe that only men are abusers. This is not true, men and women are both victims of Domestic Violence.

Some examples of verbal and emotional abuse include name calling, yelling, shouting, making threats to harm, or making threats to take children away. Other things an abuser may do to gain control is breaking things, throwing things, threatening to leave or threatening suicide.

In cases of Domestic Violence the abuser is trying to gain or exert control over their spouse, partner or family. One of the first things an abuser does is to isolate their victim from friends and family. The military, in some cases, makes this easier for an abuser with frequent moves to new areas and overseas bases.

The couple is not the only victims in a Domestic Violence incident. Children are affected also. If children are present then in addition to any law enforcement involvement a report is made to Children Protective Services and the abuse can be charged with child abuse as well as Domestic Violence.

The Navy now offers a restricted reporting process for victims of Domestic Violence. You can talk to victim advocate, a counselor, seek medical attention and NOT trigger an investigation or command notification. There are certain restrictions on this but you can get all the details by contacting the Fleet and Family Support Center or Family Advocacy Center.

If you, or someone you know, is, or may be, the victims of Domestic Violence seek help."