Nellis takes a stand against domestic violence Published Oct. 21, 2011 By Capt. Jose Ortega 99th Medical Operations Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- When domestic violence occurs, it affects everyone in the community. Every October, as part of its National Domestic Violence Awareness Month efforts, Nellis takes time to educate its community about domestic violence and ways to get help. The Department of Defense has a strict "no tolerance" policy for domestic violence, which is defined as an altercation involving a spouse or significant other in which any abusive, violent, coercive or threatening act takes place. Additionally, law enforcement can arrest any individual interfering with another person's attempt to seek help. Despite these deterrents, domestic violence still occurs. Between October 2010 and October 2011, supervisors and medical personnel have referred more than 200 Nellis, Creech, and Nevada Test and Training Range members to the Family Advocacy Clinic. Medical personnel predict that even more domestic violence incidents go unreported. In an effort to encourage people to report such incidents and to seek help, the Nellis Mental Health Resiliency Element is making programs, resources and services more visible in its community and work centers. These resources consist of mental health providers, nurses and technicians who are armed with a mission to strengthen and empower people. The resiliency element has also implemented a class called "Lasting Intimacy through Nurturing, Knowledge and Skills," to enhance communication between families. According to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, a breakdown of communication is one of the most common reason individuals resort to domestic violence. To bring awareness during October 2011, the resiliency element has been collecting donations for the Shade Tress Project for victims of domestic violence. If you would like to donate or have questions, call 702-653-2887 or 702-653-3824 for more information. If you have questions or want to report a domestic violence incident, contact Nellis Family Advocacy at 702-653-3880 or visit the Mental Health Resiliency Element's website at http://www.nellis.af.mil/units/bounce.asp.
