Since October 2014, Fort Irwin has averaged six reported incidents of domestic violence a month.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and couples in the military are no exception.
To raise awareness about this problem and to provide information to support prevention, intervention, and services that address domestic violence, Fort Irwin’s Family Advocacy Program will host the third annual Lantern Walk, as part of the annual nationwide observance of Domestic Violence Month, Oct. 7.
Soldiers, civilians, and family members are encouraged to participate in the Lantern Walk beginning at 6 p.m. The walk of about one mile, will start at the Fort Irwin Events and Catering Center’s (Samuel Adams) parking lot and will loop back.
“Like last year, we will be hosting a children’s costume contest for all ages, as well as prizes and giveaways,” said Julie Moore, a victim advocate with Fort Irwin Family Advocacy Program. “We invite all of Fort Irwin to join us at this event. It takes the whole village of Fort Irwin to resolve this problem.”
Community members can also show their support by wearing purple every Friday in October, said Pryscilla Villanueva, Fort Irwin’s other victim advocate.
“We would also like you to post your pictures on Fort Irwin’s Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Facebook page,” Villanueva said. “Include in your photo caption, the text: #IRWINPURPLE. The hashtag will turn blue, when you click to post, and your photo will be shown with all photos that have the same hashtag.”
For more information about domestic violence and the resources available to the Fort Irwin community, contact the Family Advocacy Program, located behind the Mary Walker Clinic in building 181 or contact the confidential 24/7 hotline at (760) 267-6792.