ALCOAST 282/17 - SEP 2017 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

R 251546 SEP 17
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC //CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS//N01752//
ALCOAST 282/17
COMDTNOTE 1752
SUBJ: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
A. FAMILY ADVOCACY PROGRAM (FAP), COMDTINST 1752.1 (SERIES)
1. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). This month's theme
is "Be the Change, Prevent Domestic Violence." This annual observance offers
the opportunity to raise awareness, highlight resources available to support
victims of domestic violence and families in need, renew efforts to build
healthy relationships, and promote offender accountability.
2. Domestic violence remains a critical public health issue with adverse
effects on children, families and has a tremendous adverse effect on unit
morale and mission readiness. 
3. Individual and family stressors can escalate to conflict and can lead to
domestic violence.  Know the warning signs of domestic violence. Speak up if
you witness or suspect domestic violence, you may save a person’s life. Here
are some warning signs: one partner exerting strict control over another’s
finances, social activities or personal appearance; excessive phone calls or
texting; putdowns, insults, humiliation and other emotional abuse; restricting
a partner’s contact with family or friends. Victims may exhibit fear while
with their partner or have unexplained injuries or explanations about the
injuries that do not make sense.
4. Your concern and support can help change a person’s life. When speaking with
an individual who may have been victimized, consider the following: Listen
without judgment; let them know you believe them; support their decisions; ask
what more you can do to help; and, seek support for yourself if you need it.
Domestic violence is not just an individual or family problem, it is a Coast
Guard problem.
5. In accordance with REF A, the FAP helps prevent child and intimate partner
abuse and assists those who have either experienced these problems or are
concerned that domestic problems are approaching the breaking point. Family
Advocacy Specialists at each of the Coast Guard’s Health, Safety, and Work-Life
Regional Practices are available to assist. For information regarding this
program and other support programs within the Coast Guard, visit
www.dcms.uscg.mil/worklife/Family-Advocacy-Program/.
6.  Additional resources are noted below:
   A. Assistance with related issues and other life challenges, including
work-life balance, healthy living, fulfilling relationships, recovery, financial
stability, mental health, and legal assistance, contact the confidential CG SUPRT
Program at 1-855-CGSUPRT (1-855-247-8778) or visit http://www.CGSUPRT.com.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The CGSUPRT contractor will change on 01OCT2017. Once the new
contractor is identified, an ALCOAST will be promulgated and other messaging
strategies leveraged. This change should be relatively transparent to the field.
   B. Locate your nearest Coast Guard Chaplain at 1-855-872-4242 or visit
http://www.uscg.mil/chaplain.
   C.  Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and
www.thehotline.org, or visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network at
www.nctsn.org.
7. The COMDT (CG-1111) POC is Ms. Adrienne Wright-Williams,
Adrienne.Wright-Williams@uscg.mil or (202) 475-5157.  The Health, Safety and
Work-Life Service Center POC is CAPT Mahlau-Heinert,
Jerald.L.Mahlau-Heinert@uscg.mil or 757-628-4795.
8. RADM Erica G. Schwartz, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
9. Internet release authorized.