Month brings awareness to domestic violence

Approximately one out of every four married Army couples report at least one incident of physical violence against their spouse during the previous year.

Frequent relocation of families living in foreign cultures, deployments and reunifications create special stresses on military personnel and their families. Any incident of domestic violence is one too many, but a hidden tragedy of domestic violence involves the children of perpetrators and victims. Consider the impact of domestic violence upon children:

• Child abuse is 15 times more likely to occur in families where domestic violence is present.

• Eighty-five percent of children living in a home with domestic violence will become a perpetrator or victim of domestic violence.

• Seventy percent of children living in a home with domestic violence are physically and emotionally abused as well.

• Children who witness domestic violence are six times more likely to commit suicide.

The best cure for domestic violence is prevention.  Domestic violence is less likely to occur in strong and healthy families. Families become strong and healthy by improving their interpersonal communication skills and learning the techniques of stress and anger management.

October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Take advantage of the many community resources to help you and your family become strong and healthy.  
Contact your Family Advocacy Program or unit chaplain for information regarding upcoming classes and retreats.