JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Col. Andrew Purath, JBA and 11th Wing commander, marked Domestic Violence Awareness Month by signing a proclamation at the West Fitness Center here Oct. 5, 2018.
“Domestic violence, whether you realize it or not, is something that floats in and out of your life every day,” Purath said. “There are folks you bump into that are victims of domestic violence. It’s important for us to know what that looks like and be aware and be willing to reach out and speak up.”
Approximately one in four women and one in seven men will experience domestic violence in their lives, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The JBA Military and Family Support Center is educating the base community on interpersonal violence and types of domestic abuse.
“The misconception about domestic violence is that it’s only physical, and that is far from the truth,” said Jenna Miller, 11th Medical Group family advocacy outreach manager. “There are several types of abuse someone may be suffering through.”
Mental and emotional mistreatment are forms of abuse and can be harder to identify than physical abuse. Name-calling, obsessive texting, pinching, shoving and insulting are all forms of abuse.
According to the Office on Women’s Health, prolonged emotional and mental abuse can take a physical toll and lead to chronic headaches, alcohol and drug abuse, fatigue and eating disorders.
Family advocacy offers counseling on a case-by-case basis and can also provide referrals to outside agencies.
For more information, contact the MFSC at 240-857-9680 or the 11th MDG mental health clinic at 240-857-7186.