Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. - Family advocacy experts at Aberdeen Proving Ground are launching a coordinated community campaign this October to combat domestic abuse, warning that relationship violence directly degrades military readiness and fractures unit cohesion.
Operating under the theme, "United Against Domestic Abuse," the installation is organizing educational workshops, victim advocacy briefings, and community outreach throughout National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The goal is to build an environment grounded in dignity, respect, and early intervention.
Antoinetta Saunders, the APG Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Manager, emphasized that seeking assistance early is a sign of courage and strength, highlighting the robust, confidential resources available across the installation.
"The strength of our Army begins at home," Saunders said. "Our Soldiers cannot focus on the mission downrange if their Families are not safe and supported at home. Abuse in any form—physical, emotional, or psychological—is completely incompatible with who we are as Soldiers and teammates. We hold our personnel to high standards of accountability, and we stand resolute in ensuring no one walks through this alone."
Saunders noted that military life introduces unique pressures that can strain relationships. Many of the stressors her office encounters on the installation stem from financial strain, infidelity, and the isolation of prolonged separations.
"Many of the stressors that FAP encounters are financial and infidelity-related issues, along with having to be a single parent when Soldiers have to go away for extended periods of time," Saunders said. "Sometimes those spouses are foreign-born and have no support or family to assist with children. There’s a feeling of abandonment."
Despite these challenges, Saunders cautioned that domestic abuse is not limited to any single demographic.
"One thing we must remember is that domestic violence does not discriminate; it resonates across all races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses," Saunders said. "We cannot change people, but we can intervene, educate, and support."
A primary obstacle to intervention is the persistent fear of military repercussions or relationship dissolution. Saunders addressed the common misconception that contacting her office will automatically end a marriage or destroy a career.
"Many have the perception that FAP is going to break up their home, therefore they don’t want to be involved with FAP," Saunders said, calling the belief "totally false."
"We are in the business of helping families stay together and thrive through education, prevention efforts, and many times through clinical services such as counseling," she added, noting that FAP has expanded its capabilities to address domestic violence, family-level sexual assault, child neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in youth.
When early intervention occurs, the results can safeguard both families and the military mission. Saunders pointed to successful outcomes where APG clients, including both Soldiers and family members, were able to complete counseling and thrive within their relationships. In other critical scenarios, FAP safely assisted survivors in transitioning to healthier, independent environments.
"We stand resolute in ensuring no one walks through this alone," Saunders said.
APG family advocacy officials encourage anyone experiencing relationship distress or safety concerns to utilize both local Army Community Service assets and nationwide support lines:
Army Community Service Family Advocacy Program: Offers 24/7 victim advocacy services, safety planning, non-clinical crisis intervention, and referral services. Call 410-278-7478 or the 24/7 hotline at 410-652-6048.
SARC Inc.: Provides individual and group counseling, free legal representation, safety planning, crisis intervention, and a safe house for both male and female survivors. Call the 24/7 hotline at 410-836-8430.
Military OneSource: Offers free, 24/7 confidential counseling, support, and resource navigation at 1-800-342-9647.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Provides immediate, confidential support and crisis intervention 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.