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Scott AFB organization participates in Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Teresa Jennings
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  With October being National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Scott AFB Family Advocacy Program held a number of classes during the month to help military members and their families understand the realities of domestic violence and offered preventative education as well. Not only did they educate the families, they also held classes for health care providers to be aware of any warning signs of domestic violence for any patients that the providers may treat for other medical reasons. 

Ella Duncan, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Family Advocacy Program element chief, said domestic violence includes threats, pushing, punching, slapping, choking, sexual assaults, assaults with weapons and block. It is any physical, emotional or sexual maltreatment. Domestic violence knows no discrimination. It can happen regardless of age, race, religion, education and income levels. 

Mrs. Duncan said although most victims are women, approximately 30 percent of military males are also victims of domestic violence. 

Recently the Family Advocacy Program added procedures for restricted reporting of domestic violence. Mrs. Duncan explained the procedures on restricted reporting. 

-- Restricted reporting is for any victim (active duty or family member). 

-- Restricted reporting provides victims the opportunity to receive counseling services without notification to chain of command or law enforcement. 

-- Victims can make a report to any health care provider and request restricted reporting. 

Special note: If the victim requests restricted reporting from a health care provider but is unwilling to follow-up with Family Advocacy or the domestic violence victim advocate within three days so a risk/safety assessment can be completed, chain of command may be contacted. 

The follow reports will void the ability to make a restricted report: 

-- If there is imminent danger for the victim or others. 

-- If the incident has already been reported to law enforcement (on or off base) 

-- If the incident has already been reported to someone in the victim or alleged offender's chain of command.