MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- In response to the devastating effects caused by domestic violence throughout the country, Camp Pendleton along with the nation is observing October as Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month.
This year’s theme is “Speak Out Against Domestic Violence.” There are 1.3 million victims of domestic abuse each year in the U.S., according to the 2009 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Month is a national campaign designed to heighten awareness about domestic violence and inform families of the resources and programs available to help prevent and stop violence in the home.
“Speak Out Against Domestic Violence means we should no longer be silent about violence,” said Laurie A. Scudder, prevention and education specialist, Counseling Services, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. “We need to use our voices to let people know there are resources and help available. Everyone can play a part in preventing and ending domestic violence.”
According to Marine Corps Order P1700.24B, domestic abuse is defined as domestic violence or a pattern of behavior resulting in emotional or psychological abuse, economic control, and/or interference with personal liberty that is directed toward a person of the opposite sex.
“The aim of domestic abuse is to chip away at your feelings of self-worth and independence,” said Scudder. “If you’re the victim of emotional abuse, you may feel that there is no way out of the relationship or that without your abusive partner you have nothing.”
According to the 2009 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in every four women is sexually abused in her lifetime.
“Abuse isn’t just to your spouse as most people would think,” Scudder said. “It can be a current or former spouse, a person the abuser shares a child with, or a current or former intimate partner.”
Domestic abuse can be physical, emotional or sexual, and sufferers sometimes show signs of being in an abusive relationship, Scudder explained.
“Someone may seem afraid or anxious to please their partner, or go along with everything their partner says and does,” Scudder said. “Frequent, harassing phone calls from their partner, talks about their partner’s temper, jealousy, or possessiveness, are all signs of domestic violence.”
Those being physically abused may also have frequent injuries, which they may claim as “accidents,” frequently miss work, school, or social occasions without explanation, and dress in clothing designed to hide bruises or scars (e.g. wearing long sleeves in the summer or sunglasses indoors).
“People who are being abused may have very low self-esteem, even if they used to be confident,” Scudder said. “They can also show major personality changes, like being depressed, anxious, or suicidal when they used to be outgoing and happy.”
Uniform Victim Advocates are designated to each unit throughout the Marine Corps to help liaison victims of abuse and provide them an outlet of release. It’s important for women to recognize the problem and to raise awareness for others.
Camp Pendleton provides counseling services in an array of programs designed to assist military members and their families to cope with personal and family challenges.
“Domestic violence can be very destructive to the family and may affect unit readiness,” said Scudder. “We encourage families to seek help at the earliest signs of abuse and violence.”
Counseling Services offer Victim Advocacy 24/7, individual counseling, group support, Men’s Group (DV Treatment), Women’s Group (DV Treatment), classes on anger management, stress management and communication skills/conflict resolution.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of domestic assault, there are many options to seek for help. Counseling services are available in Bldg. 1122 or at 760-725-9051 and Bldg. 520512 or at 760-763-6940. There is also help online at Military One-Source at www.militaryonesource.com or call 1-800-342-9647.