October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month Published Oct. 12, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Mourn, celebrate and connect is the motto this month as it marks the 25th observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. According to Malmstrom's Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. The DAVA said that domestic abuse can come in the form of emotional, physical and sexual abuse. In observance of the month, Malmstrom Air Force Base's Family Advocacy has set up a booth in the main entrance of the base clinic. Complete with educational brochures, posters and purple ribbons, the goal is to inform Team Malmstrom members of the signs of domestic violence and the services available for active-duty members and their dependants. Malmstrom's DAVA provides victims with many options including an initial assessment of the situation with an option to receive limited or full services. Victims are given the option to unrestricted or restricted reporting. Unrestricted triggers an investigation and cannot be changed to a restricted reporting. Restricted reporting is a confidential report and is not forwarded to law enforcement. As a reminder, Malmstrom's DAVA has the duty to warn a victim that they have the authority to change a restricted reporting to an unrestricted reporting in the event that a victim is being harmed or has the potential to harm themselves. Although talking with Malmstrom's DAVA is not required in order to make a domestic violence report, the DAVA has resources available that many may not know of. Some of those services include welfare services and professional guidance. Although the DAVA is not a counselor, they are always available for emotional support. The following are additional services offered to active-duty members of Team Malmstrom and their dependants: · Accompaniment to medical appointments and court proceedings when requested · Preventative measures including working with first sergeants and legal offices on - and off -base, safety planning and protective orders · Referrals for child, spouse and intimate partner maltreatment · Coordinating with the Victim Witness Assistance Program to get commissary discounts and extended housing for victims "This month is our opportunity to educate as much as we can," Malmstrom's DAVA said. "The more we can get out so people will read about it and educate themselves on it, the better. Some people automatically assume that domestic violence is physical abuse but it's so much broader than that." In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Team Malmstrom members also have the chance to attend a women's self defense class at the Fitness Center on Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Women interested in signing up for the class can register by calling the instructor, Capt. Michael Cheatham, at 731-2161. "There are so many services I work with including Voices of Hope, Neighbor in Need and Mercy Home," the DAVA said. "I can call them, work with them, and provide knowledge and courage to give to victims." Malmstrom's DAVA can be reached by calling the 24/7 crisis line at 406-952-3019.