Warren hosts events in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month Published Oct. 26, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Jason Wiese 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Domestic violence affects millions of people in the United States. Domestic Violence Awareness Month was established to draw attention to the plight of those who suffer violence in their own homes. In keeping with the spirit of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, F. E. Warren hosted several events coordinated by several units on base to bring domestic violence to the attention of the base population throughout the month of October. Warren hosted a bowling night, a confidence course to build confidence to stand up to domestic violence, the lighting of a Christmas tree with purple -- the color representing the cause of domestic violence awareness -- lights and the creation of a quilt with purple handprints to signify that 'hands are not meant for hurting.' More than 1 in 3 women and more than 1 in 4 men in the United States have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime, said Bonnie Scotto, 90th Missile Wing Staff Judge Advocate Victim/Witness Coordinator. However, domestic violence affects more than just those directly involved, Scotto said. "Domestic violence affects everybody -- the couples involved, their children, their friends, the first responders, the neighbors," she said. The effect of domestic violence can even be hindrance to mission completion, said Kathy McCoole, 90th Missile Wing Sexual Assault Prevention Response Office assistant sexual assault response coordinator. "If the victim of domestic violence is active-duty, he or she might not be able to think clearly at work," McCoole said. "Likewise, if the perpetrators are active-duty and they are charged, they might also not be thinking clearly and be able to adequately perform their duties." Domestic violence awareness is important because, in order to stop it, people must shed light on its occurrence, Scotto said. "Domestic violence is evil, and evil only flourishes in the dark," she said.