Fort Knox ACS brings awareness to Domestic Violence Awareness Month with multiple October events

Editor’s Note: Click on the following link https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortknoxky/albums/72177720336370612 for more photos of the month’s event. FORT KNOX, Ky. — Happy children strolled into Fort Knox Army Community Services Oct. 22 filled with smiles in anticipation of filling their buckets full of treats at the Frightfully Fun Trick‑or‑Treat Family Connections event. While the staff of ACS didn’t disappoint, there was one serious topic on their minds at the pre-Halloween event: educating attendees about domestic violence. “We want all victims to know that we believe them and that their story will be heard,” said Astrid Lopez Perez, Fort Knox domestic violence victim advocate. “We want them to know there are options.” Their efforts highlighted the importance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which emphasized this year’s theme: “With Survivors, Always!” Congress authorized the first DVAM in October 1989, originally intended to make communities aware of the threats of domestic abuse.

That awareness this year came in the form of posters, signs and activities. The activities included a monthlong challenge to walk “A Mile In Their Shoes—” a personal or group activity in which community members walked at their own pace and recorded their name and miles walked on purple ribbons at one of the four fitness centers on post throughout the month of October. Other events included a community proclamation signing event Oct.