October 2009 is Army Domestic Abuse Prevention Month

Army leadership is fully committed to taking care of its people and investing in the health and mission preparedness of Soldiers and Families. Domestic Abuse undermines that commitment.

The Army is committed to emphasizing prevention, assuring that victims of domestic abuse are protected through a combination of reporting options and multiple sources of support and intervention, and to holding offenders responsible through treatment and/or administrative action for those who continue to abuse.

"Doing Nothing" is the only wrong choice. “The Right Choice” is to do something positive to end ongoing abuse and to prevent abuse from happening in the first place. Each person can make a difference:

-- Recognize the signs of Domestic Abuse.
-- Acknowledge that interpersonal violence is always wrong.
-- Refer to the places where help is available.
-- Reach out to help.
-- Take advantage of the many Family services and programs.
-- Reach out to support victims.
-- Hold offenders accountable.
-- Do everything you can to create a climate of safety and respect.

The Family Advocacy Program on each installation is a good starting place for making the right choice.

Follow IMCOM Live at AUSA on October 5-7 at www.usarmyimcon.blogspot.com, www.facebook.com/pages/Arlington-VA/Army-IMCOM/52448796913, www.flickr.com/photos/imcom, www.imcom.army.mil/hq and www.twitter.com/armyimcom - look for the #ausa hashtags!