Spreading domestic violence awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
In an effort to shed some light on the serious issues of sexual assault and domestic violence, a briefing was held at Malmstrom Air Force Base's auditorium to educate Team Malmstrom members on the subjects while also sharing ideas on how to prevent these problems from entering our homes and affecting our loved ones.

Speaking during the briefing was Anne Munch, a recognized subject matter expert for consulting, training and speaking on sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking.

While talking with Airmen, Munch used case examples from her extensive career as a legal expert and prosecutor in this area to explore the foundational concepts of power and control, which Munch said is commonly found in domestic violence relationships.

"The thing that got me into (educating on these topics) was meeting and working with children who had been abused," Munch said. "Seeing the reality in their lives motivated me to try and take a profession that could address these problems. In my legal career, I specialized in sexual assault and domestic violence in an attempt to try and help our community and our culture understand what that violence looks like.

"It is important to recognize it, interrupt it and change the reality for the victims," she continued.

As part of her presentation she also educated Airmen about the dynamic factors commonly associated with offenders who pose a high risk to their families, children and communities.

One may have been surprised to see the number of hands that rose when she asked how many people knew or were related to a victim of one of these crimes.

Munch has a passion for helping with these problems, especially with military families.

"I love speaking with Airmen," she said. "I know that all of us come from different backgrounds. I can see and understand that sometimes these kinds of talks hit close to home. It's important people get the message that the AF cares enough to provide education and outreach for those that need it."

With her closing statements, she left words of inspiration and encouraged those who have been affected by domestic violence and sexual assault to find the help they need.

With the help of a friend, coworker or wingman, it is possible to implement a real change, Munch said.

"Unfortunately domestic violence is part of the tapestry of a lot of peoples' lives," she said. "Really, you're not alone. There are people who have experienced what you are experiencing and care."