Editorial: Partner abuse does not discriminate

Courtesy Photo | 08.20.2021 Graphics by David Smith Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton The graphical elements include simple icons of Marines (grey) in formation with one singled out in a different color (purple). The icons are laid out to the left of board and text to the top right and bottom. The poster is a product in support of the Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Cam Pendleton Commanding General initiative to bring awareness and education to personnel on the programs available in battling Domestic Violence. (U.S. Marine Corps graphic created by PFC Alicia Childs)  

FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

10.28.2021

Courtesy Story

Fort Liberty Garrison Public Affairs Office

FORT BRAGG, NC -
By Michaela McKenna
Army Community Services

It comes as no surprise partner abuse happens within all kinds of relationships regardless of age, race, religion, identity, or sexual preference.

The recognized definition of an intimate partner relationship has changed significantly over the past decade. Society is now overall more accepting of a wider range of relationships and preferences. This, however, doesn’t mean relationships are becoming less complicated.

Whenever two or more individuals interact, there is potential for greatness and, unfortunately, problems. In fact, relationship issues within the LGBTQ+ community can come with even more challenges. This leads to incidents often unreported and the victims under-assisted.

Stereotypes that domestic violence is an act carried out by men against women contribute to LGBTQ+ victims feeling isolated with their troubles.
They often fear that no one will believe or understand their situations. This is especially true for victims in same-sex male relationships because of outdated gender perceptions.

According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, statistics show that 26% of gay men and more than 37% of bisexual men report experiencing rape, physical abuse, and/or stalking, compared to 29% of heterosexual men. Even more so, 43.8% of lesbian women and 61.1% of bisexual women have experienced rape, physical abuse and/or stalking by an intimate partner, compared to 35% of heterosexual women.

If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, regardless of the relationship type, help is available. You have rights, and advocates are ready and able to help.

The Fort Bragg Army Community Service Victim Advocacy Program is available to help with safety plans, locating safe housing, and referrals to appropriate resources and community partners. These partners are available to assist and guide victims through the process.

Another option for anyone experiencing abuse is to file a Domestic Violence Protection Order, also referred to as a 50B. The paperwork requests you define your relationship with the person against whom you are requesting a DVPO. Same-sex and opposite-sex relationships are no longer a factor in deciding whether to grant or deny a DVPO.

The VAP can file DVPO’s on-site at the Soldier Support Center on Fort Bragg, and can accompany victims to the courthouse for proceedings as necessary.

Some victims ignore it, look the other way, or even tolerate it. But never forget, some are scarred by it, and their lives are forever changed.

You will hopefully never experience it. You might never witness it. You may even think it will never happen to you. But you should know, it could, and if it does, you can do something about it.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This month, and every month, let’s work together and look out for one another!

Telephonic Support:
24/7 Fort Bragg Family Abuse Hotline [phone].
National Sexual Assault Hotline (can refer to local rape crisis centers): [phone]
Love is Respect Hotline: [phone], http://www.loveisrespect.org
National Domestic Violence Hotline: [phone], https://www.thehotline.org/
The Anti-Violence Project (serves bilingual and LGBTQ community 24/7): [phone], http://www.avp.org/
LGBT National Help Center: [phone], https://www.glbthotline.org/
National Youth TalkLine: [phone]

Online Support:
Online Peer Support Chat: https://www.glbthotline.org/peer-chat.html
Weekly Youth Chatrooms: https://www.glbthotline.org/youthchatrooms.html
Online Counseling: https://ohl.rainn.org/online/
Northwest Network Hotline (serves LGBT survivors of abuse; provides local referrals): [phone], http://nwnetwork.org/
FORGE (serves transgender and gender nonconforming survivors of domestic and sexual violence; provides referrals to local counselors): http://forge-forward.org/ & http://forge-forward.org/anti-violence/for-survivors/referrals-and-information/

- Paraglide -

• Date Taken: 10.28.2021
• Date Posted: 10.28.2021 10:44
• Story ID: 408210
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US