People helping people a key for victims of domestic violence Published Oct. 21, 2011 By Meredith Mingledorff 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and with rates that high members of 95th Medical Group felt it important to make Edwards aware of the consequences of domestic violence. Armed with statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Elaine Estacio, Family Advocacy Outreach Manager, 95th MDG, set out to educate the community this month. "Fifteen percent of domestic violence victims are men, and most people don't realize that," explained Estacio. "We want people to know this problem is out there and is very real. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out for help." Edwards AFB has a variety of helping agencies to assist members in need. Some of those agencies are: Security Forces: 661-277-3340 Chaplain staff: 661-277-2110 Family Advocacy: 661-277-5292 In support of the effort, Col. Gregory E. Schwab, commander, 95th Air Base Wing, declared October "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" by signing a proclamation at Wing Headquarters here Oct. 5. Col. Schwab spoke at the ceremony on why the issue of domestic violence is important to members of Edwards. "The Air Force is not separate from society. We are made of the same fabric as communities found outside of our gate, and we cannot ignore this important issue. It affects our Airmen right here," Schwab said. The commander stressed the importance of people helping people and taking the steps to reach out if they suspect a teammate may be hurting. "That's really what this is about, taking care of each other. We can't afford not to take care of each other," he said. A traveling exhibit titled "Abuse Leaves an Empty Place at the Table" will make its way around the base, created in honor of each individual domestic violence victim. The creators intended to mourn the loss of life and raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence. "Each victim is a unique individual," said Estacio. "Each loss of life is traumatic and avoidable. It affects the community as a whole and leaves a hole in each community. We want people to ask the hard questions if they suspect abuse and get the help they need if they are a victim." Estacio said most domestic violence goes unreported and the reasons vary. Some victims feel ashamed or embarrassed, while some are limited by language barriers or understanding of resources available to them. According to the NCADV, http://www.ncadv.org/, three women are killed by an intimate partner every day in the United States, which is another reason the 95th ABW is asking members to make an effort to observe the issue. "We cannot let our people go without the help they need when it is so readily available. We must get involved. We must participate for the health of our Airmen and the health of our community. This is important," Schwab said. Several educational opportunities have presented themselves throughout the month including a Health and Wellness Expo at the Medical Clinic and social experiments to gauge the reactions of Wingmen suspecting abuse. For more information, or to find out how you can get involved with next year's campaign contact Elaine Estacio at the Family Advocacy Office located 30 Nightingale Blvd, Bldg 5520, Edwards or call 661-277-5292. Additional resources are also available online at www.militaryonesource.com or by calling one of these helping agencies: National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 Personnel overseas can seek assistance from the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center at 1-866-USWOMEN