NAS Jax supports domestic violence prevention

"October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we put on these events during this month to bring awareness about domestic violence to the service members and their families on this base," said NAS Jax Fleet and Family Support Center Victim Advocate Amy Sulzmann. "We were supposed to have the kick-off with a walk and rally today but because of the rain, the walk was cancelled, but the rally went very well."

The rally began with NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. signing the Domestic Violence Prevention Proclamation, designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month aboard NAS Jacksonville. "No other service requires the family separation that the Navy must endure. Unfortunately, that often leads to a lot of stress that is taken out on the family. Don't mistreat your family. At the end of the day, when all the dust settles, they're still going to be there and we need to take care of them so they'll take care of us," Scorby said.

"The events of this month are intended to stress the importance of command and community involvement in ensuring the victim's safety and offender accountability as well. Everyone needs to be more involved in the movement to eliminate domestic violence."

Among the guest speakers at the rally was Ellen Siler, chief executive officer of the Hubbard House, a safe haven for domestic violence victims in Jacksonville, who spoke out against domestic violence.

Al Emerick, co-founder of Men Against Violence Against Women, speaks at a rally kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month Oct. 1 at the NAS Jax base theater.

"This month is a really important one because it's when we focus our attention on raising awareness to the general public of what is happening with domestic violence in our community. The coordinated community response is key to ending domestic violence," she said. "People need to know that no matter where they are, or who they are, that the crime of domestic violence will be treated the same. They will be held by the same standards by our community."

"We have got to get to a point where every single person understands that they cannot stay quiet when it comes to domestic violence. If you suspect violence, you need to say something, if we are going to stop this issue," continued Siler.

Executive Director of the Quigley House Sharon Youngerman, also spoke at the rally.

"Domestic violence is not just a woman's issue, it's a crime against the family and society as a whole," Youngerman said.

The Quigley House is a comprehensive domestic violence and sexual

assault center, offering shelter, advocacy and counseling services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Clay County and the surrounding areas.

Sharon Youngerman, executive director of the Quigley House, speaks at the NAS Jacksonville rally to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month Oct. 1. The Quigley House is a shelter for victims of domestic violence in Clay County and the surrounding areas.

"Our work is not complete until all women, men and children experience love, not intimate terrorism, by the hands of their loved ones. We cannot accomplish this task alone. We need the community to speak out and take domestic violence out of the shadows and into the light. That's the purpose of Domestic Violence Awareness Month," added Youngerman.

Al Emerick, co-founder of Men Against Violence Against Women, challenged the audience to fight domestic violence all the time. "Don't be on a domestic violence diet, make it a lifestyle change," Emerick said.

Emerick particularly dared the men in the audience, as community leaders, family leaders and leaders in the military, to take a stand to change the way people view domestic violence.

Scorby ended the rally by thanking the guest speakers and all the people involved in the Victim Advocate Program at the NAS Jax Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC).

The program provides services to active duty service members and their families, and retired service members. Some of the services offered include support and crisis intervention, assistance filing military protective orders and civilian injunctions, victim rights information, transportation to medical, legal and counseling appointments, as well as acting as a liaison between victim, commands and community agencies.

For more information or assistance, contact the FFSC Victim Advocate Program at 542-2766, Ext. 131.