October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nathan Maysonet
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  October is the nation's Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Laughlin is bringing the crime of domestic violence to the forefront with a proclamation signed at the 47th Medical Group Oct. 1.

Col. Tom Murphy, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, began the month-long campaign against the violation of an individual's dignity and humanity by signing a document representing Team XL's stand against the crime.

"Preventing domestic violence requires much more than regulations and programs," Murphy said. "It requires a commitment on the part of all of us."

According to Lt. Col. James Cantrell, 47th Medical Support Squadron commander, no one is immune to domestic violence.

"Men, women and children, domestic violence affects all of us," Cantrell said.

Addressing the problem of domestic violence is not just the responsibility of family advocacy, said Lt. Col. Denise Thompson, 47th MDG mental health flight commander. Everyone has a responsibility to assist those who find themselves in a violent situation.

"Violence interferes with every aspect of a person's life," Thompson said.

To help combat the issue the 47th MDG family advocacy program is sponsoring several programs and activities throughout the month ranging from self-defense courses at the Laughlin Health and Wellness Center to domestic violence support group forums at the medical group.

The day's events concluded with Murphy cutting a purple cake in honor of all the victims of domestic violence.

"Purple symbolizes courage and strength, but also the bruises of domestic violence victims," said Shannon Perry, 47th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy intervention specialist.

For more information on activities in support of domestic violence awareness contact the family advocacy program at 298-6422.