Domestic Violence Awareness Month

One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. As chilling as that may sound, this is just one of the many grueling statistics that show the serious nature behind domestic violence. Upon this evidence, Army Community Service (ACS) has made it our duty, for Domestic Violence Awareness month, to supply the Military community with essential facts and resources, in order for readers to take preventative measures and support those involved in domestic violence.

Many have been conditioned to believe that domestic abuse is purely physical; but domestic abuse can go far beyond the perceived boundary of bodily harm. ACS - Victim Advocacy Program (VAP) gave a general definition that encompasses the emotional, psychological and sexual aspects of abuse. Domestic Violence (as defined by VAP) is conducted when an individual uses coercive behavior, in order to exert power and control over another individual. Remember, domestic violence involves more than physical abuse.

It is often hard for both sides of an abusive relationship to grasp the concept of domestic violence. A healthy, loving partnership can become distraught with anger and belligerent cruelty at any moment’s notice; Leaving a partner to wonder, if the pain, suffering, and abuse are real. There are several warning signs that one should look out for when trying to determine domestic violence. Ask yourself:

Does my partner:
• Hurt me, or threaten to hurt or kill me?
• Destroy my belongings?
• Blame me for his or her abusive behavior?
• Humiliate or yell at me?
• Criticize or put me down?
• Force me to have sex?
• Keep me from seeing my friends or family?

Do I:
• Feel afraid of my partner most of the time?
• Feel emotionally numb or helpless?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing domestic abuse. Several resources within the Army community offer services for victims in their time of distress. The VAP serves as a support system for victims of domestic violence by contributing information and resources to victims, advocating on the behalf of Family members to Command, and assisting in the acquisition of protections orders and safety plans, regardless of the situation. The VAP also provides prevention and awareness events and classes about domestic abuse. Click here to view all the upcoming events for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.For additional information, please call the Victim Advocacy Program at 703-696-8463. If you need 24/7 Domestic Violence support, call 703-919-1611.



If you do not feel comfortable searching for help within the Army community or if you are looking for extra relief, below are various programs located around the National Capital Region (NCR) that aid victims involved in abuse.

• Doorways is an Arlington County safe house shelter that provides a support network, court companionship and advocacy services, children’s programs, counseling services, and a 24hour hotline. For more info, call 703-522-8858 or visit
• 2-1-1 is a phone number used to connect people with free information on available community services such as physical and mental health resources, work initiatives, and support for children, youth and families.

• CrisisLink – A free and confidential 24/7/365 hotline to help aid in the prevention of suicide. To contact Crisis link, call 1-800-273-TALK, 1-800-SUICIDE, or visit

Seeking help is the first step to liberation! Do you know of any additional resources in the NCR for victims of abuse? Any domestic violence, prevention and awareness events or classes taking place in the NCR that ACS doesn’t have listed on the calendar? Share your thoughts with ACS! Post in the comments.

**Links to external and non-DoD resources are posted in the common interest to the military community and does not imply Department of Defense endorsement of a commercial entity.**