Events scheduled for Domestic Violence Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Kevin Gaddie
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs


 

October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month.  This year's theme is "United Against Domestic Abuse:  Breaking the Silence."

Eglin is fully engaged in promoting healthy relationships, according to Dr. Wendy Blevins, violence prevention integrator.

"Domestic violence is a serious issue,” she said.  “One person harmed is one too many."

The Center for Disease Control estimates one in four women, and as many as one in 10 men, have experienced violence or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime.Blevins said domestic violence is preventable.  The base is tackling the problem by connecting and raising awareness about risk and warning signs, and offers resources for support, she added.

“If your partner's behavior is putting you at risk, you have options," she said.

Blevins encouraged reaching out to a friend, chaplain, teacher, or a counselor for help in a domestic violence situation. 

The following classes are designed to build resiliency and offer guidance towards healthy relationships this month:

  • Second Annual Dash for Danielle – Eglin Field House track, Oct. 14, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The fundraising event honors Master Sgt. Danielle Lynch, who died from a domestic violence incident in 2012.  Proceeds go to Operation Warm Heart, which supports military and community functions throughout the year.  For more information, call 882-3674.
  • Couples Communication for pre-marital and married couples - Eglin Hospital, Oct. 14, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Check in at the 96th Medical Group Mental Health Flight, Room 2F045.  The one-day seminar offers communication techniques to better understand partners, connections to enhance relationships, and commitment tips to beat the odds.  For more information, call 883-8616.
  • Active Parenting of Teens - Youth Center, Bldg. 2582, Oct. 17, 24, 31, and Nov. 7, 8 to 10 a.m.   The class is presented in four two- hour sessions.  The class targets parents with children ages nine and up.   For more information, call 883-8616.
  • Love and Logic – Child Development Center Three, Oct. 18 and 25, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.  The four-session parenting class provides simple, practical techniques to help parents have less stress.  The session targets children two to nine years of age.  For more information, call 883-8616.

 

The Eglin Family Advocacy Program has Domestic Abuse Victim Advocates are available.  For more information, call the Domestic Abuse hotline at (850) 290-7389.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers assistance to survivors of abuse, their concerned family or friends and abusive partners wanting to change.  For more information, call (800) 799-7233.