Sailors gathered at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor Cinema Plus Theater for Domestic Violence Awareness training, Oct. 14.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is geared to inform the public about the damage caused to individuals and children, and teach the community about safety from domestic violence while spearheading domestic violence prevention.

"Many people have grown up with domestic violence and consider it normal behavior," said Susan Dewees, Fleet and Family Education coordinator. "Abuse does not have to be passed down from generation to generation, the cycle can be broken with a single individual."

Domestic violence affects all age groups and social classes. It happens to Sailors, as well as spouses; to men and women.

"We are like a village, we watch out for each other and that means not ignoring our neighbors when something is wrong," said Naval Base Kitsap Command Master Chief David Lynch.

Throughout the month and the rest of the year, personnel are encouraged to educate themselves on what domestic violence is and what everyone can do to stop it.

"This sort of training is really useful," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 3rd Class Rachel Gravlee, Naval Base Kitsap. "This is a real issue in our country, but it is also one that can definitely be solved."

Domestic Violence Awareness Month stemmed from the Day of Unity in October 1981 and evolved into an entire week. In 1987, the first monthly observance took place. Two years later Congress passed a law officially designating October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, visit www.navy.mil/.