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Safeguarding against violence in the home

  • Published
  • By Maj. Chantay P. White
  • 436th Airlift Wing Medical Group
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Home is meant to be a safe haven - a place to receive hugs and reinforce a sense of belonging and acceptance when the world outside seems filled with conflicts and battles. 

The home can be a "training field" to enrich family members' lives, but in some unfortunate circumstances it has become a battlefield.

According to a report released in 2003 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, intimate partner violence results in nearly two million injuries and 1,300 deaths in the Nation each year. Melissa Stiles, author of Witnessing Domestic Violence, reported that 30 to 50 percent of children, who are victims of abuse, reside in a home where intimate partner violence is also prevalent.

The month of October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is defined as the willful intimidation, assault, battery, or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner or parent against another household member. This includes mutual yelling, name calling, pushing, shoving, grabbing or preventing the person from leaving.

Although family members will not always see eye-to-eye, there are ways to resolve conflict in a positive way and build each other up with encouragement and hope.
During October and throughout the year, take the time to complete a family relationship inspection:

· Define your triggers: When completing a family self inspection, parents need to start with themselves first. Be aware of your level of stress and anger triggers. Awareness will prepare you to defuse volatile situations before tempers flare.

· Develop tie downs: Inspect the physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of your life. These are a part of your personal "tie downs." Tie downs are kind of like stress relievers that help give you perspective on life. The stronger and more developed your tie downs, the greater the likelihood you can cope with the "storms" that come your way. Your storm may be a legal problem, work stress, relationship challenges, divorce and so on. Everyone has unique difficulties they face in daily life, so building in release valves helps parents get out their frustrations and better cope with the challenges of raising children.

· Keep your body in top shape: Get adequate sleep; maintain a varied diet and exercise to ensure maximum health. You can also call the Health and Wellness Center at 677-3733 or the Fitness Center at 677-3963 to get started with an exercise regime to fit your abilities.
· Schedule in family time: Schedule weekly family time to discuss issues and plan fun family events.

· If it doesn't work, fix it: If your tie downs are wearing thin, seek help. Contact the Family Advocacy Program at 677-2711 for support in overcoming, preventing and safeguarding against domestic violence. You can also find out more information by calling The National Hotline for Domestic Violence at (800) 799-7233.