Des Moines, Iowa -- The Iowa National Guard is committed to eliminating Domestic Violence (DV).
Our challenges include misconceptions about domestic violence due to
society's denial and/or a misunderstanding about battering.
DV often escalates from threats and verbal abuse to physical violence.
Emotional and psychological consequences of domestic abuses are just as
severe as bodily harm. Abuse is used for only one purpose; to gain and
maintain total control over someone.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline has received on an average 21,000
calls per month thus far in 2009, compared to last year's average of 19,500
calls per month. One reason for the rise in DV is the national economy and
job loss.
There is No Excuse for Abuse, if you know of someone in need of assistance
do not stay quiet, speak out and ask for help! Although the National Guard
does not have a Family Advocacy Program, we have resources in place to
assist service members and family members in times of need. Help is
available. Contact information:
Iowa's JFHQ SARC, Cathy Luther, State Coordinator, 515-252-4405,
1-800-964-6607 or Catherine,luther@us/army.mil
Chaplain Gary Selof, JFHQ Chaplain, 515-252-4189 or
Gary.selof@us.army.mil
132d Fighter Wing SARC, Des Moines, LtCol James Freese,
515-256-8203, James.Freese@iadesm.ang.af.mil
185th Refueling Wing SARC, Sioux City, LtCol Stephanie Samenus,
712-233-0809, Stephanie.Samenus@iasiou.ang.af.mil
133d ATS, Fort Dodge SARC, MSgt Rikki Goshorn, 515-574-3215,
Rikki.Goshorn@iasiou.ang.af.mil
Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), 515-244-8028,
http://www.icadv.org
Military One Source 1-800-342-9647 or www.militaryonesource.com
National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233),
http://www.ndvh.org/