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F.E. Warren AFB stands against teen dating violence

  • Published
  • By R.J. Oriez
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  "A quarter of high school girls have been a victim of physical or emotional abuse," said Master Sgt. Maria Nave, 90th Missile Wing Equal Opportunity Office, to a gathering at the base library Feb. 22.

The event marked National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month and was sponsored by the 90th MW Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office and the 90th Medical Operations Squadron's mental health clinic. The emphasis was on prevention.

"I firmly believe the more we promote these awareness months, the more we educate, the more of a chance we have to help prevent victims," said Kathy McCoole, 90th MW Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. 

McCoole said, military dependents over the age of 18, as well as active duty personnel, can report abuse to her office and it will be kept confidential.

"A restricted report has no law enforcement investigation, no report to the chain of command," McCoole said.

Nave pointed out it is not just the young who need to be aware of the problem of teen dating violence.

"Eighty-one percent of parents believe teen dating violence is not an issue," Nave said. "They don't want to admit it's an issue or that their teens are being abused."

Nave gave some of the warning signs of a possible abuser, including someone who checks their partner's cell phone or e-mail without permission, constantly puts their partner down, shows extreme jealousy, has an explosive temper, or tries to isolate their partner from family and friends.

"We really need to set these patterns for healthy relationships with children when they're young," said Glenn Garcia, 90th MDOS mental health clinic. "If they don't understand what a healthy relationship is, they'll end up getting in a bad relationship, and when they get married, or have children, it's a lot more difficult to get out."

The event culminated with the more than 20 people in attendance stepping out into winds gusting to more than 50 mph and releasing their balloons.