Team Beale raises domestic violence awareness Published Oct. 9, 2014 By Staff Sgt. Robert M. Trujillo 9th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs Office BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- More than 200 members of Team Beale participated in a 5K run to raise awareness about domestic violence on Oct. 8, 2014. Beale's Family Advocacy Program sponsored the run to observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October was designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987 to raise awareness and educate the public on prevention. "Our goal is prevention," said Esther Almas, Family Advocacy outreach manager. "Anytime we can create more awareness on this issue is great." The mission of Beale's Family Advocacy Program is to build healthy Air Force communities by developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and programs designed to prevent, intervene, and treat child and spouse maltreatment. "We want Airmen and their families to know that we are here for them," Esther said. The Family Advocacy office provides programs aimed at prevention, to include marriage counseling and anger awareness. "Some people may look at asking for help as a weakness, but they shouldn't," said Daniel Lamons, Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate. "It takes courage." The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence describes domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behaviors--including physical, sexual and psychological attacks as well as economic coercion to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in a relationship. Anyone experiencing these behaviors or wanting to identify potential warning signs, may contact the Family Advocacy Program office at (530) 634-3423. To contact a Victim Advocate call (530) 634-6224. More information is available on the National Domestic Violence Hotline website.