Pep-rallies, football, dancing; oh, my! - RAF Lakenheath

Jet48Taking a stand against domestic violenceBy Mark Killin48th Medical Operations SquadronOctober is Domestic Violence PreventionMonth. A common belief is domestic violenceonly affects married couples and is physicalviolence. This is not true. Intimate PartnerAbuse, as it is now called, can affect anyone inany kind of relationship. Abuse can be causedby current or former partners, adults whoshare a child in common and by cohabitingcouples. The U.K. has a police call everyminute involving Intimate Partner Abuse. Inthe U.S., domestic violence costs the taxpayerand employers around $5.8 billion every year.Think about it this way, have you everexperienced or witnessed domestic abuse, orknow someone close to you who has? Almostall of us know a family member, friend orneighbor who has experienced some type ofabuse in their home.What is Intimate Partner Abuse?It includes controlling behavior and allkinds of physical, sexual and emotional abuse,as well as neglect within any kind of relationship.Abuse rarely is an isolated occurrence. Itis most often repeated over a period of timeRendering respectwith frequent increases in severity. It also is asurprisingly common occurrence during pregnancy.Why take a stand?Ultimately, abuse in the home is wrong andshould never be tolerated. As good wingmenand community members, we all have aresponsibility to contribute to a safer community.This includes creating an awareness ofthe problem and not condoning abuse when itoccurs.How can you help?The first way to help is by simply listeningwithout judgment to those directly affected.Most victims of abuse need gentle encouragementto seek professional assistance. However,the safety of the victim and any children thatmay be exposed to the violence is paramount.If you feel there is a real possibility of seriousharm being caused, then make a referral to anappropriate agency or speak to a commanderor supervisor. Take time now to find out aboutlocal community resources so you will knowwhere to turn if help is needed. Theseresources include chaplains, Family Advocacy,Life Skills Support Center, and the Airmanand Family Readiness Center. Off-base U.K.resources also include the National DomesticViolence Helpline at (08082) 000 247.You do not have to be an activist to helpand take a stand. Many families, couples andindividuals do the right thing everyday byspending quality time together, actively listento each other’s wants and needs, enjoyingcommon interests and committing to the goodof the family. By being a good role model forfriends and children, you are taking a stand.Stay alert for those who might need extrasupport and give it to them. Send a messagethat domestic abuse will not be tolerated inour community. Together we can continue tokeep our community a safe place to workand live.How to report abuse?To report incidents of domestic abuse, callFamily Advocacy at 226-8070 or (01638) 528070. For after hour emergencies, call 911onbase or 999 off base.For information on how to set up an awarenessevent, or for questions about domesticviolence contact RAF Lakenheath’s FamilyAdvocacy Outreach Managers at 226-8070.Photo by 1st Lt. David BrewerNearly 350 Airmen of the 48th Maintenance Group participated in a retreat ceremony to honor the nation, as well as pay tribute totheir 360 comrades deployed in support of the Global War on Terror. The 48th MXG provides combat airpower through sustainedmaintenance excellence here Oct. 20, performing on and off equipment repair actions, services and inspections on the Liberty Wing’sdiverse fleet of F-15C, F-15D, F-15E and HH-60 airframes.PAGE 10JET 48 MAGAZINEOCT. 27, 2006