R 011136Z OCT 12

ALCOAST 432/12
COMDTNOTE 1754
SUBJ: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
A. COAST GUARD FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM, COMDTINST 1750.7 (SERIES)
1. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  According to
government statistics, nearly one in four women in the United States
reports experiencing violence by a current or former spouse or
boyfriend.  Women comprise 84 percent of spouse abuse victims in this
country.  During the past 12 months, approximately 65 Coast Guard
active duty (AD) members were arrested on charges related to family
violence.  Regardless of which partner is abusive, domestic violence
shatters the sense of well-being that allows individuals to thrive.
It also can cause health problems that last a lifetime and diminish
prospects for children in school and in life.
2. Men have an important role to play in promoting gender equality
and ending violence against women and girls.  As part of the United
Nations campaign to stop violence against women, 16 action steps have
been identified for men to consider.  (See complete list at
http://saynotoviolence.org/join-say-no/16-ways-16-days.) Below are
some examples of those action steps for men to consider:
   A. Accept responsibility as a man in helping to end violence
against women and girls.  It affects everyone.
   B. Teach young men and boys and the youth in your family and
community about gender equality and healthy, equal relationships.
   C. Be a role model and share with the boys and young men around
you
the importance of respecting women and girls.  For tips on how, go to
http://www.itstartswithyou.ca/.
   D. Learn about the impact of violence against women in your
community.  Consider volunteering with a local shelter or advocacy
organization.
   E. Challenge and speak out against hurtful language, sexist jokes,
and bullying, in your school, community, workplace, or place of
worship.
   F. As a community leader, learn more about the important role that
men and boys can play in ending gender-based violence.  Go to
http://whiteribbon.ca/issuebrief/.
3. It is a myth that men cannot be victims of domestic violence.
Though it occurs less often, men are victimized.  Men who are abused
are often reluctant to seek help because of embarrassment and the
stigma of being a male victim.
4. Ref (A) describes the CG Family Advocacy Program (FAP), a command
support program for CG active duty families and individuals who are
facing issues of intimate partner abuse and/or child abuse and
neglect.  The FAP works to prevent abuse and neglect by educating
service members and families, identifying families experiencing abuse
and neglect, providing support services to victims, and providing
treatment and education for offenders.  The program may also provide
services to other categories of CG employees.  To obtain FAP
services, contact the Family Advocacy Specialist located at your
Health, Safety and Work-Life Regional Practice. Contact information
is available at http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/contact.asp.
5. If you are a victim or suspect that you are an abuser, and you are
not ready to report the abuse, but want assistance, consider calling
the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.  The
Hotline provides information on finding shelters, housing,
counseling, job training, and legal assistance in your area.  It can
also provide local resources for abusive partners.  For additional
information and helpful links related to emotional health and general
information on individual and family support services, visit
http://www.uscg.mil/worklife. Information regarding domestic violence
can also be obtained at the CG SUPRT website at www.cgsuprt.com.
6. COMDT (CG-1112) POC is Mr. John Reibling, at
john.s.reibling(at)uscg.mil or 202-475-5161.
7. CAPT Joel L. Rebholz, Acting Director of Health, Safety and
Work-Life, sends.
8. Internet release authorized.