BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- In the last 30 years, purple has become a more common sight in October. That’s because October was declared by Congress in 1987 as National Domestic Violence Awareness month and the color purple and purple ribbons are used to raise awareness of domestic violence. The observation of the month grew from a “Day of Unity” held by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence beginning in 1981.
The monthly observation has continued to grow into what it is today. As of late, the month has had a theme and the theme this year is, “Let’s Strengthen Our Community.”
To honor the theme, Team Beale is making an effort to address domestic violence and bring further awareness of the issue to the base and the local community.
“We want our families and individuals at Beale to know that we support them when they are in domestic violence situations,” said Allysyn Lasch, 9th Medical Operations Squadron family advocacy outreach manager. “We would also like to support the local community this month.”
In order to strengthen the community, Beale is partnering with five domestic violence shelters in three local counties. Beale is providing assistance through donations of clothing, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies. Squadrons and units across the base have designated donation drop-off locations.
“In the month of October we invited our squadrons to adopt a local shelter or raise goods in a general collection,” said Lasch. “The items they collect will be distributed to all of the local shelters.”
The shelters Beale is partnering with this year are Case De Esperanza, Stand Up Placer, WEAVE, My Sister’s House, and the Lotus House. Each provides resources and services including food, shelter, clothing, and advocacy to families and individuals in need.
“Our safe house provides emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence,” said Eddie Posadas, the advocacy specialist coordinator at Stand Up Placer. “Clients in the safe house are able to stay in a safe undisclosed location where they have access to therapy, case management, and living necessities. The donations from Beale helped our organization and are greatly appreciated.”
Domestic violence is an issue people can face year round, not just in October and this includes families and individuals on base. There is an ongoing effort to prevent and address domestic violence.
“Our base does a good job at offering victims of domestic violence support and assistance from the top down,” said Maj. Jeromy Wells, 9th Reconnaissance Wing deputy wing chaplain. “We want to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
While domestic violence is still a serious issue, Beale is doing its part in raising awareness, making sure victims have a place to go, and establishing a culture where domestic violence is not tolerated.