The Marines aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar marry four years younger than the rest of the country, according to the Family Advocate Program manager Tim Stanton.
Domestic violence is a nationwide problem and exists among the service members here.
“The Marines here are a higher risk population for domestic violence because of the age they get married at,” said Stanton. “They are less mature and less responsible than couples in civilian society.”
Domestic violence is illegal and punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Domestic violence is the attempted use or threatened use of force or violence against a person of the opposite sex who is a current or former spouse, a person with whom the abuser shares a child or a current or former intimate partner with whom the abuser shares a common domicile, according to the Marine Corps Community Services’ Domestic Abuse website.
Some of the risk factors that can lead to domestic violence are: engaging in verbal arguments, living with unresolved and chronic marital conflict, social isolation or lack of social support, witnessing domestic abuse as a child, living with unresolved and chronic stress, substance abuse, depression or other mental health diagnosis, financial problems, unemployment of the civilian spouse and violence in other areas of life.
One of the main steps to preventing domestic violence is ensuring Marines prepare for marriage, explained Maria Lengerke, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Family Readiness Officer. Taking a marriage prep class can help immensely. Couples can also attend free marriage retreats the Veterans Affairs Healthcare Center in La Jolla provides.
There are several programs and classes aboard the air station that can also help ease the stresses found in many relationships and prevent domestic violence.
Classes available through Marine Corps Community Services include anger management, financial management, couple’s communication, stress management and parenting classes.
Another resource available to service members is Military OneSource, a support system that they can access through the phone or on the internet. Military OneSource has resources available such as parenting and childcare information, financial information and crisis support. It also has up to 12 free counseling sessions available. For more information about the program, visit the website at www.militaryonesource.com or call 800-342-9647.
If domestic violence does occur, service members and families can contact the Family Advocacy Program at 858-864-2815. If someone suspects another person is experiencing domestic violence, they can also call. The program provides services such as crisis intervention, safety planning, counseling, rehabilitation, risk assessment, clinic counseling case management and victim advocacy.
If someone feels they or someone they know are in danger from domestic violence, they should call 911.
Although the military lifestyle puts unique stresses on families, there are ways to prevent and alleviate these stresses. It is important to be aware of the signs to help prevent dangerous and illegal behaviors.
For more information on the Family Advocacy Program, contact Stanton at 858-577-6585.
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