‘Purple Up’ for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Photo By Michael Strasser | Clark Hall is awash in purple light in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Fort Drum. Community members visiting the facility will also see numerous displays at the entrance and in the lobby to help “Break the Silence” and become more informed about reporting options and how they can help others experiencing domestic abuse. (Photo by Mike Strasser, Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs)  

FORT DRUM, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

10.05.2022

Story by Michael Strasser 

Fort Drum Garrison Public Affairs

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Oct. 5, 2022) -- Fort Drum community members may have noticed Clark Hall, from sundown to sunup, is awash in purple light in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Fort Drum Family Advocacy Program staff worked with members of the Directorate of Human Resources’ Facilities Maintenance and the Business Office to “Purple Up” Clark Hall for the month of October.

Inside the facility, community members can visit the Silent Witness Project – a display that honors service members and spouses, or partners, who have died due to domestic homicide. Their stories are posted on life-size silhouettes, which can be found on the side entrances of Clark Hall.

Additionally, outreach tables have information on domestic violence and healthy relationships, as well as resources available for community members.

There are also “Opening the Door to Hope” displays located around the first-floor lobby area, with stories posted on doors from domestic violence survivors who were able to leave their abusers.

“You will also find purple artwork that highlights a message of ‘hope,’ as many victims of domestic violence often feel helpless and lose hope in their current situation,” said one Fort Drum domestic abuse victim advocate who helped create the Clark Hall displays.

Tom Wojcikowski, Fort Drum Family Advocacy Program educator, said that Clark Hall was an ideal location for the campaign since it is a high-traffic facility frequented daily by Soldiers, family members, retirees, and civilians.

At the Soldier and Family Readiness Division’s Enrichment Center, community members can attend two different family-building activities. On Oct. 18, the “Cook With Your Mate” class invites couples to create a meal together while learning how to build a healthy relationship based on learning each other’s love language. On Oct. 27, a “Monster Pop In and Paint” class is for families to have fun painting together while learning about the importance of family engagement.

To register for a class or for more information, call [phone], or message FAP at www.facebook.com/FtDrumFAP.

Community members can meet with a victim advocate from the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Program at the Soldier and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 10250 on 4th Armored Division Drive. They also can call [phone] for assistance.

There are two reporting options for domestic abuse – restricted and unrestricted. Under the restricted reporting policy, the victim can confidentially disclose information to a specifically-identified individual, such as a victim advocate, health care professional or chaplain. Victims receive medical treatment and counseling, without having to initiate an official investigation (no chain of command or police involvement).

The unrestricted reporting policy enables the victim of domestic abuse to openly report the abuse to anyone, and an official investigation will be initiated. The victim receives medical treatment, counseling and an official investigation of the crime is conducted.

The 24/7 Domestic Violence Crisis Line at Fort Drum is [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.05.2022
• Date Posted: 10.05.2022 09:20
• Story ID: 430742
• Location: FORT DRUM, NEW YORK, US