Domestic Violence Prevention Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. - What happens when Capt. Jones beats his wife and neighbors call the police? Or when Sgt. Smith's wife clobbers him with a baseball bat?

The Army is highlighting programs and actions to prevent domestic violence during its October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month campaign. The Army theme for the month is "There is no room for Domestic Violence in the Army Family."

Domestic violence happens in military families of all ranks and ages. In most cases, husbands abuse wives. But the reverse also is true. Department of Defense (DoD) officials outlined what happens when military officials learn about domestic violence.

On base, military police investigate and immediately notify Family Advocacy Program officials and the servicemember's commander. If the abuser is a civilian, the investigation is turned over to civilian law enforcers and base personnel cooperate with the local legal authorities.

Off base, local police may or may not report the incident to base officials. DoD officials currently are working to develop memoranda of understanding with civilian law enforcement authorities to establish such reporting procedures. Criminal conviction of even a misdemeanor involving domestic violence can end a servicemember's military career.

The 1996 Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act of 1968 makes it unlawful for anyone who has been convicted of a misdemeanor of domestic violence to possess firearms. The law applies to law enforcement officers and military personnel.

DoD officials say most of the spouse abuse in the military is reported early, and the chances of successful treatment are good. As a result, abusers don't necessarily have their careers impaired. In fact, some abusers self-report to get help.

Everyone should be aware of the 12 early warning signs of domestic violence, which are abuse during courtship, alcohol or drug abuse, a background of family violence, minimizing effects of violence, a denial of problems, difficulty handling frustration, extreme jealousy, mental abuse, a need to control, sexual abuse, threats of violence and verbal abuse.

For more information about domestic violence prevention at Fort McCoy, call the Soldier and Family Readiness program at (608) 388-3840/3505.