Stand Strong, Be Strong Published Oct. 17, 2014 By Amy Rollins skywrighter Staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The Wright-Patterson Air Force Base community is invited to a forum combatting domestic violence and sexual assault Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Hope Hotel. The "Stand Strong, Be Strong" Forum will emphasize the theme, "Healthy Family Relationships, Supporting Families and Communities - Building Resilience" in observance of October as Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Attendees are invited to learn about domestic violence/ sexual assault resources from helping agencies both on-base and off-base, including: › Military Program Overview - Family Advocacy Program and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office; › "In Her Shoes" breakout activity - Family Violence Prevention Center of Greene County; › Law Enforcement Response to Domestic Violence Panel - Office of Special Investigations, 88th Security Forces Squadron; Xenia Police Department; Beavercreek Police Department; Fairborn Police Department; › Gracie Self-Defense Program - Mental and physical benefits to building resiliency. Guest speakers will provide information on community resources and how to help those in need. It also will include the "Silent Witness" display. Attendees are asked to bring soap, toothbrushes and other toiletries to help victims of domestic violence. All items will be donated to a local domestic violence shelter. Those interested are asked to register by close of business on Oct. 20 by calling Family Advocacy at 257-4608 or 257-5146 or email Beverley Knight-Stukenborg, Family Advocacy Program outreach manager, at Beverley.Knight_ Stukenborg.1@us.af.mil ---------------------------------------------------------- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed each October to raise community awareness and highlight Department of Defense and civilian resources available to build healthy relationships, support victims and children, and promote offender accountability. The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is DOD's lead agency and part of the coordinated community response to domestic violence in the military. Individuals and family members can look to FAP for information and support, training, victim advocacy and treatment for offenders. This year's campaign will emphasize the impact of domestic violence on children, the community's responsibility to prevent, recognize and report abuse, and new tools and resources to promote safe and healthy relationships for all members of the military community. Information sources combatting domestic violence › Military OneSource, http://www.militaryonesource.mil › National Domestic Violence Hotline, www.thehotline.org › Love is Respect, http://www.loveisrespect.org › National Child Traumatic Stress Network, http://www.nctsn.org