Family Advocacy promotes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kevin West
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and is represented by the color purple.

The Family Advocacy office at Yokota Air Base is spreading the word about domestic violence. They provide services to help those who are victims of domestic abuse.

“People may not be aware that they are in a domestic violence abuse situation,” said Kei Ri, Family Advocacy domestic abuse victim advocate. “When many people think about domestic violence they automatically think about physical abuse and maltreatment, but it’s also verbal abuse and control. It is important to let folks know what things they should be aware of so that victims contact the appropriate services and we can provide a good service for them.”

A Victim advocate provides support and care to victims by helping them with their available options and resources to assist them going forward.

In addition to restricted and unrestricted reporting, victims have the option of a confidential report. It can remain confidential as long as there isn’t a risk they are going to be harmed, or suicidal, homicidal or a suspicion of child abuse is present.

“The confidential report is primarily a service for the victim,” said Ri. “It will not be reported to security forces, the chain of command or the offender. The victim can get confidential medical appointments, legal appointments and clinical services at the Family Advocacy. If she or he wants to change to an unrestricted report they can do so at any time.”

For the Family Advocacy’s outreach manager, Tom Eaton, correcting problems at home contributes to mission readiness.

“Your family life feeds your ability to do the mission,” said Eaton. “You really want to have a launching pad that is supportive, secure and safe. It is really an important thing. If people don’t unearth it and rebalance themselves and their family, then it tends to get recreated in the next generation. So those kids would then go on and think that’s normal. Let’s correct it as soon as we can.”

The Family Advocacy office provides a variety of options for people seeking help for domestic violence and abuse.

“Stay informed, stay aware of this issue,” said Ri. “It is really important because a lot of the time it’s difficult for somebody to come out and say they have been abused. I think that it is important that people know they can come out and talk to us.”

Ri continues to encourage victims to come to Family Advocacy if they are in need of help.

“Reach out to us,” said Ri. “I want it to be clear that reporting to us doesn’t always result in a case. I don’t want anyone to suffer alone.”

Upcoming events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month:

• Cocktails & Canvases on October 17, 2017 at the Enlisted Club.

• Spoken Word Night at 1930 on October, 20, 2017 at the Enlisted Club.

• Couples’ Links, a four week event, beginning October 19, 2017 at the base library.

Family Advocacy has classes for couples, stress and anger management and parenting. For more information please contact the Family Advocacy office at 225-3649.