Announcing new help for victims of domestic abuse: Air Force Family Advocacy DAVA Program

by Emily McCormick
Family Advocacy

Photo by Ermolaev Alexander/Shutterstock.com
Photo by Ermolaev Alexander/Shutterstock.com

Abuse within a relationship is a devastating experience. Often victims want to seek help but don’t know where to turn. Family Advocacy is providing a new service which offers immediate support and services to men or women affected by abuse. The Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) program is available to victims 24/7. If you are a victim of relationship abuse and want to speak with someone about your situation, you can call the numbers provided below to speak to a licensed provider or advocate. The DAVA can provide assistance by helping you develop a safety plan, assessing imminent risk of harm and connecting you with helpful services. The DAVA can also arrange for you to receive follow-up care with Family Advocacy if desired. All services are voluntary and offered at no cost.

Sometimes an individual can be unsure as to whether abuse is occurring in a relationship. Domestic violence is more than physical abuse. Threatening statements and gestures, put-downs, intimate partner rape, and restricting access to money, cars, or other people are all part of domestic abuse. Partners are not the only people affected by domestic violence. Even if children are not in the same room when a fight takes place, they can often hear what is happening. They are also affected by a parent’s angry, fearful or depressed moods. Children may act out their feelings of insecurity, do poorly in school or be affected by not sleeping well. Help is available for all family members.

If you are a victim of domestic violence and would like support during the duty day, please contact Family Advocacy at 479-2370 or 06371-46-2370. After hours, you can call the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate at 0173-628-4624.