October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Camp Pendleton is taking steps to observe the national campaign.
Camp Pendleton's prevention and education specialist, Stacey Willis, told base public affairs that military families face unique challenges, and there are specific resources on base to help prevent domestic violence - and to help those families where violence is already taking place:
"Domestic violence is allowed to continue when we keep silent about the problem. We must not keep silent about this issue. We all can strive to live a violence-free life within our homes and our communities."
National Domestic Violence Hotline reports calls to its center by military spouses more than tripled between 2006 and 2011. In addition:
Military calls have increased by over 25% in just the last year alone.
Willis said Camp Pendleton has uniformed victim advocates that can aid families dealing with violence at home. She said buildings 1122 and 520512 on base can be reached by phone at 760-725-9051 and 760-763-6940.
For help online, visit www.militaryonesource.com.
