National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

1.  October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  The Marine Corps community engages in domestic violence awareness activities across the country in October to provide community education on recognizing the signs of abuse, reporting options, and resources for seeking help.  "Learn the warning signs of abuse.  Talk to us.  Help is available," is the Office of the Secretary of Defenses 2017 theme.<br>
2.  Signs of an abusive relationship include a partner who controls finances, uses threats of violence, limits social interaction, anddestroys property.  The signs of abuse may vary.  Universally, abuse is never acceptable.<br>
3.  Two different reporting options are available for individuals experiencing domestic violence:  restricted and unrestricted.  Victim advocacy and counseling services are available for both reporting options.  Unrestricted reporting includes law enforcement and command involvement.<br>
4.  Resources, services, and help are available.  For additional information contact the local installation Family Advocacy Program, Chaplain, Community Counseling Program, or Military Provost Office.  Help is also available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233), Marine Corps DSTRESS Line (877-476-7734 CONUS/098-970-7734 OCONUS), and Military OneSource at WWW.MILITARYONESOURCE.COM (1-800-342-9647).<br>
5.  The Marine Corps community shows support for the 2017 Domestic Violence Awareness Month by participating in local installation events and activities.  Leadership support of these events is instrumental in making it clear, by word and deed, that domestic violence will not be tolerated in the Marine Corps.<br>
6.  This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force and will expire one year from date published.<br>
7.  Release authorized by BGen K. W. Stein, Director, Marine and Family Programs Division.