An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Take notice: Ribbons, Silent Witnesses promote Domestic Violence prevention, awareness

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samantha Krolikowski
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Have you noticed the purple ribbons tied to trees around base? Or maybe you've walked past the wooden silhouette figures in the Airman Family Readiness Center or the library?

The displays are designed to highlight Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the ribbons are a reminder that domestic violence can be anywhere, in our neighborhoods, workplaces -- within our community. Each Silent Witness figure in the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Global Credit Union, library or 92nd Medical Group lobby features true stories of a man, woman or child who became the victim of domestic violence.

Domestic Violence Awareness month evolved from the "Day of Unity," held in October 1981. The original aim was to connect national advocates working to end violence against women and children.

"Education is critical and one of the most significant keys to prevention," said Ruth Sunde, 92nd Force Support Squadron, family advocacy outreach manager. "Like many things, to be truly educated about a topic you have to be willing to listen and push back any biases or barriers that you may have surrounding the topic."

During October, these and many other displays and programs will be available for Airmen to take notice and educate themselves on the signs of domestic violence and how to prevent it.

"Many times we go through life thinking these types of tragedies only happen to the very rich or very poor," Sunde said. "It's important for people to become educated on domestic violence."

Since 2009, there have been two methods of reporting domestic violence - restricted and unrestricted reporting. Restricted reporting allows the victim to report the incident directly to a domestic abuse victim advocate or a medical provider. Unrestricted reporting is used if the victim wants to pursue an investigation.

"Modeling good behavior, especially in front of our children, by treating our partner with respect and dignity can raise the odds of breaking the cycle of domestic violence," said Sunde.

For more information on reporting procedures call the Family Advocacy at (509) 247-2687 or the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate at (509) 481-9025.