ALCOAST 379/20 - OCT 2020 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2020

R 061630 OCT 20
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-11//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N01752//
ALCOAST 379/20
COMDTNOTE 1752
SUBJ:  DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH - OCTOBER 2020
A. Family Advocacy Program (FAP), COMDTINST 1752.1 (series)
1. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. In alliance with the DoD, this year’s
Campaign theme is "United to End Domestic Abuse.” This observance is designed to promote
an awareness that preventing domestic abuse is a shared community responsibility that
begins with supporting victims, modeling and promoting safe and healthy relationships,
providing ways for individuals to set boundaries within their relationships and providing
a network of assistance during stressful or unsafe times. This campaign also introduces
simple but effective ways for commands, shipmates, friends and family members to help
individuals who are at risk for domestic abuse during a time of heightened isolation.
2. Getting help for an abusive relationship is difficult, especially during the global
crisis spurred by COVID-19. For some relationships the added stress brought on by this
pandemic, which includes financial implications, may elicit unhealthy or even abusive
behavior. Our Public Health leaders have called upon us to limit our social interactions
in order to curb the spread of the virus. However, some of these measures such as social
distancing and sheltering-at-home may increase risk to victims by keeping them in
quarantine with their abuser and may isolate them from friends, relatives and safe
havens, such as crisis shelters.
3. As we #JoinToEndAbuse and recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month, let’s
acknowledge our role in keeping everyone safe and supporting their resilience in the
face of adversity. 
4. The military community respects, defends and supports victims of domestic abuse.
All Coast Guard personnel, active, reserve, civilian employees and Auxiliarists must
proactively safeguard the safety and well-being of our members, their partners, and
family members, per REF (A).
5. If you are in an abusive relationship or know of a shipmate, colleague, friend or
family member who is at risk or is experiencing domestic abuse, there are simple, safe,
and effective ways to obtain support, seek help, and ensure safety while maintaining
resilience.
   a. Stay connected with family and friends: make yourself available for scheduled
check-ins with loved ones who may feel unsafe at home, assess for safety and the need to
call for professional help. Ask how they prefer to be contacted: by phone, text or social
media. Listen when they need to talk and ask how you can support them.
   b. Take time for self-care: make time for self-care with daily rituals that provide
mental and emotional space, and joy. Making your well-being a priority can help you
build the resilience you need to guide yourself (and your children) through this
challenging period.
   c. Create a safety plan: If a situation begins to escalate or becomes violent it is
a good idea to find a safe space to distance from your partner. A safety plan is a
personalized checklist that helps to identify ways to maintain your and your children’s
welfare. Contact the Family Advocacy Specialist (FAS) located in your local Work-Life
Office or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or live chat with an
advocate at: www.thehotline.org to help you map out a safety plan or a safe place to go.
   d. Get help in an emergency: it is important to self-quarantine during this time, to
the extent possible. But be assured that frontline professionals, including law
enforcement, are available to help you in a crisis. Call 911 if you are in immediate
danger, or if your partner or spouse has threatened you, your children, or someone you
know. If you reside on a Military Base, call your military law enforcement office.
   e. Maintain your psychological health: if feeling panicked, stressed, anxious or
depressed about your relationship while you remain at home, support and counseling is
available. Contact your local Family Advocacy Program, call 1-855-CG-SUPRT (247-8778),
or visit www.cgsuprt.com.
6. Resources: 
   a. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP): FAP is committed to supporting service members,
their families and intimate partners at risk of, or impacted by, domestic abuse. FAP offers
free prevention services, assessment, safety planning, counseling, information and referral,
and restricted and unrestricted reporting, as appropriate. Whether you are questioning
your partner’s behavior towards you or looking for ways to manage your safety and maintain
your boundaries at home, help is available and you are not alone. Contact your local
Family Advocacy Program (FAP) at (202) 475-5100.
   b. 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,
work-life stressors, legal matters and marriage and family issues. Call 1-855-CG-SUPRT
(247-8778), or visit www.cgsuprt.com for assistance. Additionally, your local Employee
Assistance Program Coordinator is able to provide support and information and referral
services.
   c. Chaplains: Chaplains are an invaluable resource. They provide confidential spiritual
and emotional support. Call 1-855-USCG-CHC (872-4242), or visit
http://www.uscg.mil/chaplain/locations/.
   d. National Domestic Violence Hotline: this hotline provides information regarding
safety, shelters, housing, counseling, job training, and legal assistance in your area
or if you need immediate support. Call 1-800-799-7233 or live chat with an advocate at:
www.thehotline.org.
7. POC: Johanna MacGillivray, LCSW, Family Advocacy Program Manager, (202) 475-5161,
Johanna.MacGillivray@uscg.mil, or Marshe Milbourne-Jackson, LPC, HSWL Service Center
FAP Coordinator, (757) 628-4374, Marshe.M.Milbourne-Jackson@uscg.mil.
8. RADM Dana L. Thomas, Director of Health, Safety, and Work-Life, sends.
9. Internet release is authorized.