Vigilance key to preventing domestic violence Published Oct. 30, 2014 By Senior Airman Frank Casciotta 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the 71st Mental Health Flight is taking action to educate Team Vance about prevention. "We are trying to educate Team Vance about partner and child abuse through various outlets," said Maj. Sam Tobler, the Mental Health Element family advocacy officer. To help with domestic violence prevention amongst the base population, Airmen should look for warning signs in their wingmen, he said. "If you see things like bruises, report it," said Tobler. "Do not try to look for more evidence on your own. We will investigate, and if nothing is found then nothing will come of it. It's better to report something and see nothing happen rather than not report while something is going on." Other signs of potential abuse are an unkempt appearance and irritability, he said. These signs usually indicate at-home stressors. Also, pay attention to how spouses communicate in public. If they seem hostile in public, it's probably a lot worse at home. On base, the mental health staff's goal is to visit each squadron and inform Airmen how to handle any suspected abuse. "We will visit squadrons around base to help educate Vance Airmen about warning signs and reporting procedures," said Shawn Kelley, the Mental Health Element family advocacy intervention specialist. All calls made to the mental health office reporting suspected domestic abuse are anonymous, and those concerned about backlash have nothing to be concerned about, said Kelley. "We are not here to ruin careers, we are here to help," said Connie Tucker Liles, the Mental Health Element family advocacy program assistant. "However, if law enforcement needs to be involved, then it's out of our hands." The mental health staff teaches an array of skills that go beyond preventing domestic violence. "We help parents adjust to having newborns, teach parenting skills, provide couples counselling and personal development," said Tucker Liles. The mental health staff also reached out to the Enid, Oklahoma, community early this month to spread the word about prevention as well. They set up an education table downtown during Enid's First Friday handing out pamphlets and speaking with people, said Kelley. They also frequent the local Young Women's Christian Association, a safe haven for women escaping domestic violence, and offer assistance. For more information on mental health services, call 213-7419.