Warren members give a voice to Silent Witnesses

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dan Gage
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  This year marks Warren's second observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October ended with a Silent Witness display and discussion in the Pronghorn Center and a women's self-defense course in the Independence Hall Fitness Center Oct. 27.

Members of the Mighty Ninety gathered to hear stories of victims, discuss ways to intervene and put an end to domestic violence, and signed a petition to take a stand.

On display were a collection of Silent Witness silhouettes; each telling the story of a victim of abuse.

"These victims are real, their stories are real and their numbers are real," said Bonnie Scotto, 90th Missile Wing victim and witness assistance program coordinator.

The goal of this event is to let people feel and understand the personal impact of domestic violence on victims and families, said Glenn Garcia, Family Advocacy Program Outreach Manager.

"Violence against women, and increasingly men, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking is a persistent problem for victims across income, race and location," added Garcia.

According to statistics from the National Institute of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 25 percent of women report being physically assaulted or raped by a current or former spouse, partner or date at sometime in their life, and men now make up 40 percent of the victims of domestic abuse.

"We must all understand and accept the important role we can play on a daily basis to recognize and prevent abuse and neglect," Garcia said.

The Archives of Family Medicine reports that victims of domestic violence are more likely diagnosed with serious health problems and are more likely to participate in high-risk behaviors such as tobacco or substance abuse.

"Our communities are paying a tremendous price for domestic violence," Garcia said. "Some families have paid the ultimate price as demonstrated by the Silent Witness silhouettes."

A discussion on bystander awareness was also held after Mark Warner, 90th Missile Wing protocol, performed a song he wrote titled "Blink of an Eye." Warner wrote the song about a former band-mate and friend of his who lost her life due to domestic violence.

"Many of us aren't comfortable saying anything if we see something troubling because we feel it's none of our business," Scotto said. "Just remember, you are not doing the victim any favors by turning the other cheek.

"I confronted a friend about finger print bruises on her arms she had received while sparring with her husband," Scotto added. "They are both black belts in karate; I was embarrassed but remember, it's better to be wrong and possibly look foolish than to let domestic violence go unchecked."