Military and family members of Naval Technical Training Center (NTTC) Lackland and Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) participated in a 5-kilometer run to raise domestic violence awareness, 22 Oct.

The 5-kilometer event, sponsored by JBSA Family Advocacy Program (FAP), helped raise awareness and educate people about resources available to domestic violence survivors.

Runners came clad in purple to support the theme "Break the silence, stop the violence." In addition, people gave donations of baby clothes, sheets, and other clothing articles to benefit the shelter for women and children in Bexar County.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website defines domestic violence as intimate partner violence, which is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects millions of Americans. The term "intimate partner violence" describes physical violence, sexual assault, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner.

According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence:

- One out of three women and one out of four men have undergone physical abuse by and intimate partner.
- One out of five women and one out of seven men have undergone severe physical abuse by an intimate partner.
- An average of nearly 20 people per minute in the United States become victims of physical abuse by an intimate partner, which equates to more than 10 million incidents per year.

"The goal of the 5K run is to raise awareness and make the message clear that if you are a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone. There are so many resources and programs available to you, all you need to do is ask," said James Price, Family Advocacy Program outreach manager.

If you witness or suspect domestic violence speak up! Call your local police department, base security, or Family Advocacy Program. Help the victim locate resources, and support safety planning with the victim advocate. Equally important is to listen and not be judgmental.

The FAP operates worldwide and offers clinical assessment, treatment and services for military members and their families involved in allegations of domestic and/or child abuse.


For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more Fleet and Family Support Center information, visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/ffr/family_readiness/fleet_and_family_support_program.html/

For more Military One Source information, visit http://www.militaryonesource.mil/

For more information about Naval Technical Training Center Lackland, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/csf/nttc-lackland.