October marks Domestic Violence Prevention Month Published Oct. 22, 2007 By Senior Airman Robert Barnett 35th Fighter Wing public affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Family Advocacy defines domestic violence as an act(s) of violence or abuse against someone that you have or have had been involved in an intimate relationship. It includes actual acts, attempts, and even threats against an individual. On Oct. 8, in his remarks regarding domestic awareness, President George W. Bush signed a proclamation naming October National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. "A home, a family should be a place of support, should be a peaceful place - not a place of cruelty and brutality," the President said, "Domestic violence betrays the most basic duties of life, it violates the law, it's wrong, it is a crime that must be confronted by individuals, by communities and by the government." Family Advocacy held a health care event on Oct. 11 as well as an information fair on Oct. 15 to give out information about domestic violence and abuse. According to Rochelle Phelps at Family Advocacy, statistics show that domestic violence is down 30 percent over this past fiscal year at Misawa. Of cases on base, 70 percent of victims are women and 30 percent are men. The best way to prevent domestic abuse is to recognize it so that it can be stopped. Recognizing abuse is not always easy because it is not always physical abuse. Poor communication skills are one indicator, according to Ms. Phelps. A deployed spouse often creates tension in a marriage, and "couples who marry younger are more at risk" for domestic abuse, Ms. Phelps said. A friend noticing abuse could help out a great deal simply by approaching the topic and asking if they have considered going to couple's counseling, as well as offering support and encouragement to the couple. Family Advocacy or the chapel is available to help anyone get the skills they need to prevent domestic violence. For more information, please call 226-6826 for Family Advocacy or 226-4630 for the chapel.