ALCOAST 338/18 - OCT 2018 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH

R 011054 OCT 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01752//
ALCOAST 338/18
COMDTNOTE 1752
SUBJ: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION MONTH
1. October is National Domestic Violence Prevention Month. The observance serves to educate
communities, individuals, couples and families about the Family Advocacy Program and other
community resources that can help prevent domestic violence or intimate partner violence.
2. Intimate partner violence is a serious, preventable public health problem that affects
millions of Americans. Intimate partner violence includes physical, sexual or psychological
harm inflicted by a current or former partner or spouse.
3. This year’s campaign “Know the Signs,” is designed to help individuals, their spouses
and intimate partners build, maintain or strengthen their relationships and prevent
intimate partner violence. The Coast Guard is committed to help our personnel understand
the signs of healthy and unhealthy behaviors in order to learn ways to improve and
strengthen relationships through education, skill-building resources, counseling and support.
The focus is to reach people as early in the relationship lifecycle as possible, invite
them to think about their relationships, and consider whether their relationships can be
classified as healthy or unhealthy.
4. Some of the warning signs of unhealthy relationships include exerting power and control
over an intimate partner’s finances, social activities or personal appearance; excessive
phone calls or texts, isolation, restricting a partner’s contact with family, friends or
supports; verbal insults, belittling that causes humiliation, emotional distress and
decrease of self- esteem, intimidation, coercion, threats, minimizing, blaming, denying
abuse, fear, physical aggression and unexplained injuries.
5. Unhealthy behavior can happen to anyone regardless of gender, age or economic level. If
you are a victim of intimate partner violence, be safe and get the help you need. Free and
confidential help is readily available by contacting your local Work-Life Field Office at
1-800-872-4957 to connect to a Family Advocacy Specialist.
6. Preventing an unhealthy relationship and maintaining a healthy relationship will help
stop the cycle of intimate partner violence. Healthy relationships can bring out our best,
set the stage for mission readiness and contribute to a successful career.
7. There are additional resources available to help you build a healthy relationship.
    a. CG SUPRT – CG SUPRT is available to assist active duty members, reservists, civilian
employees, and family members with a full range of issues such as financial matters,
relationship discord and other work life stressors. Call 1-855-CG-SUPRT (247-8778) or go
online at: www.cgsuprt.com.
    b. Chaplains – Chaplains are invaluable resources. Call 1-855-USCG-CHC (872-4242) or go
online at: http://www.uscg.mil/chaplain/locations/.
8. If you are a victims of intimate partner violence and need help:
    a. Call 911: If you feel someone is in immediate danger of hurting themselves or others.
    b. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. This hotline can
provide information regarding shelters, housing, counseling, job training, and legal
assistance in your area.
9. For additional information on the Family Advocacy Program, contact Ms. Johanna MacGillivray,
the Family Advocacy Program Manager at Johanna.MacGillivray@uscg.mil or (202) 475 5161 or
CAPT Robert Marietta, Health, Safety and Work-Life Service Center at Robert.G.Marietta@uscg.mil
or (757) 628-4854.
10. RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
11. Internet release is authorized.