Prevention is key to reducing domestic violence

  • Published
  • By Jaima Fogg

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe domestic violence as a serious and preventable public health problem. It includes physical and sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former intimate partner.

The military community is not immune to domestic violence.

Risk factors can include stress at home and work, loss of loved ones, childhood trauma, cycles of abuse, and lack of coping skills.

Deployments, permanent change of station moves, initial entrance into military service, and transitions to civilian life are additional life stressors unique to military life.

The Department of the Air Force Integrated Resilience office warns that domestic violence is incompatible with mission values and it reduces mission readiness. 

Preventing domestic violence from occurring is the goal of prevention efforts. According to DAF Integrated Resilience experts, primary prevention strategies include actions, policies, and tactics aimed at reducing the likelihood of individuals becoming victims or perpetrators of domestic violence.

Intervention and response efforts, such as supporting victims and holding abusers accountable, also play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of violence.

Promoting healthy, respectful, and non-violent relationships can reduce the occurrence of domestic violence and prevent its harmful, long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities.

Building strong social support networks and stable, positive relationships within communities helps people feel connected to one another. Base leaders encourage the Hanscom AFB community to attend events and activities designed to foster connections.

To raise awareness of domestic violence, Hanscom AFB’s Integrated Prevention and Resilience Office will be holding a toiletry drive. Personal care items such as soap, shampoo, dental care products, deodorant, and more are being collected.

These items will be donated to a local women’s shelter. The drive will take place Oct. 19-20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the base’s commissary parking lot.

Team Hanscom’s helping agencies can provide guidance to those seeking assistance. These agencies include the Family Advocacy Program, Mental Health Clinic, Military and Family Life Counseling, Hanscom Chapel, and the Employee Assistance Program.

Help is also available from the National Domestic Violence Hotline.