October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October marks the beginning of the Department of Defense’s 2024 Domestic Violence Awareness Month campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to bring awareness to the military community’s responsibility to support victims, respond to abuse, and focus on prevention efforts this month and throughout the year.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is purposeful and intentional behavior. The perpetrator’s abusive acts are done to achieve compliance from or control over the victim. Many people assume that domestic violence includes only physical types of violence; in actuality, perpetrators use many different controlling actions to achieve power over the victim. These include physical, emotional, and sexual forms of abuse.

Connectedness is a key protective factor that can create a protective buffer against the everyday risk factors people encounter throughout their lives. Successful violence prevention efforts are linked to fostering connectedness – meaningful relationships and interpersonal connections that individuals forge with family, friends, colleagues, and their community.
Relationships take effort and attention, especially in military relationships when frequent moves,
long separations, and additional stress are parts of the equation. But it’s worth the effort. A loving, resilient marriage is a source of personal happiness and family joy, and a solid relationship also lets service members focus on their mission and daily duty requirements.

Domestic abuse is devastating to service members and their families, presenting significant challenges and weakened mission readiness. We all need to recognize – and take seriously – any signs or reports of an unsafe relationship, whether a couple is dating or married.

PURPLE ON
Minot AFB, Let’s show some support for those impacted by Domestic Violence and Purple On!
The FACTS:
Why Minot MUST Purple On!

• According to CDC (2024), approximately 41% of women and 26% of men have been impacted by contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking in their lifetime from an intimate partner.
• More than 60 million women and 50 million men have experienced psychological aggression in their lifetime due to intimate partner violence (CDC, 2024).
• Over 25 million men and women who experience intimate partner violence report that their experiences began before the age of 18 (CDC, 2024).
• Domestic violence can impact many people from all walks of life regardless of race, age, sexual orientation, religion, sex, gender identity, socioeconomic status. (DOJ, 2024)
• Domestic violence causes a ripple effect impacting families, communities, work centers, and leaves a lasting negative impact on those who witness it (DOJ, 2024).
  HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT MINOT PURPLE ON?
  Between 01 October and 25 October show your support for DV survivors, and those impacted, by snapping a picture of yourself with something purple and share it with the Minot AFB Prevention Office.
• Sharing your photo in support of the Minot Purple On campaign enters you in for chance to win a movie themed swag basket in honor of the award-winning film The Last Drop, coming to Minot AFB.
  MOVIE BASKET GIVEAWAY: ENTRY DETAILS
• Email a picture of yourself with something purple or wearing something purple to: 5bw.prevention.orgbox@us.af.mil or 5bw.prevention@gmail.com between 01 October and 25 October.
  The Prevention Team will select a winner.
  Winner will receive an email on Thursday October 31st to schedule prize collection at the Prevention Office.
  *Individual submitting the photo will be contacted via email to receive the prize even if multiple individuals are included in the photo.
  *Please be mindful of what photos and information you share, giveaway open to all active duty, their families, and all civilians living/working on Minot AFB.

THE LAST DROP
We are showcasing the 30-minute sci-fi film, “The Last Drop”.
The Last Drop, aims to show young people what abuse looks like before it turns violent and kickstart a national conversation about relationship safety.

There are two upcoming shows scheduled for 28 October, 1100 and 1430 held at the Education Center Room #210.
We are offering screenings “upon request” as well for Units and agencies, spouses.

DVAM #UnitedAgainstDA #BreaktheSilence