MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT/EASTERN RECRUITING REGION PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- -- During fiscal year 2001, there were more than 10,000 reported incidents of spousal abuse by the Department of Defense's Family Advocacy Program, according to their annual report. This included physical, sexual and emotional abuse. There were also more than 7,000 cases of reported child abuse.
The Marine Corps Family Advocacy Program was designed to address the prevention, identification, intervention and treatment of child abuse, child neglect and spouse abuse.
During October, Domestic Violence Prevention Month, the Depot Family Advocacy Program, along with the rest of the Department of Defense, stressed ways in which each individual could do their part to combat and prevent domestic violence.
"The main idea I want to get across to people is that you can do something," said Kellianne Dougherty, victim advocate, Depot FAP. "If you have knowledge of, or suspect domestic violence is occurring, you have to take action. By choosing to do nothing, you're condoning it."
Taking action may be something as simple as referring a suspected or known victim to the FAP. Another method would be to inform that person's chain of command, if the individual is active duty, of any suspicions.
Domestic violence is a delicate issue and precautionary measures must be taken into consideration when dealing with such issues. Experts at FAP warn to not pass judgment on anyone who confides in someone that they are being abused. Let the victim know that they are not to blame.
It is also important to be patient with someone who may be a suspected victim and let him/her come forward when he/she is ready. When someone finally does come forward, Dougherty urges people to avoid questions such as: "What did you do to make him/her so angry?" or "Why don't you just leave?" These can "re-victimize" the victim, she says, placing the problem with the victim rather than the abuser.
As the victim advocate, Dougherty is on call 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention and referral to community resources. She responds to all victims of domestic violence and may even accompany the individuals to court proceedings or medical appointments, if necessary.
Counselors, on hand at FAP to provide support to victims, are required to have a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling or Social Work.
They stress that it is never too late, or too soon, to seek help for yourself or your family.
Once an incident has occurred or been reported and the counselors and victim advocate have stepped in, the incident is reviewed by the Case Review Committee to determine what further action needs to be taken. The committee is made up of professionals and representatives from various units aboard the Depot to assess things such as risks and circumstances of the case.
The DoD held a symposium on domestic violence prevention May 13, targeting the reasons why prevention, intervention and treatment are so important.
"The DoD wants to stop domestic violence because it is the right thing to do," said David W. Lloyd, director, FAP.
Lloyd went on to explain some of the reasons why the DoD is so concerned with the issue. The active duty force is mostly comprised of young adults, half of which are married, he said.
To find out more about what you can do to help prevent domestic violence or to get help for yourself or someone you know who may be the victim of abuse, call the Family Advocacy Program at 228-2044 or Kellianne Dougherty at 228-2016. There is also a 24-hour crisis hotline, sponsored by Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse, that is available for emergency aid and emergency shelter at 1-800-868-2632.