Before crisis: Fort Sill Family Advocacy Program offers help, hope for healthier

FORT SILL, Okla. — A disagreement does not have to become a crisis, and asking for help does not have to begin with knowing exactly what kind of help is… FORT SILL, Okla. — A disagreement does not have to become a crisis, and asking for help does not have to begin with knowing exactly what kind of help is needed. That is one of the messages Fort Sill's Family Advocacy Program wants Soldiers and families to understand during Domestic Violence Prevention Month this October and throughout the year. Conflict and disagreements occur in relationships, Beauchamp said. The difference is how partners respond to them. Healthy relationships leave room for disagreement while still maintaining respect, communication and understanding.

For Fort Sill families who may be struggling, that distinction matters because Family Advocacy is not just a place to turn after domestic abuse has occurred. In fact, Beauchamp said one of the misconceptions he encounters is that contacting FAP automatically means someone will be investigated or get into trouble. At Fort Sill, the program offers classes on healthy relationships, effective communication, stress management and the Five Love Languages, in addition to required annual troop training that addresses domestic abuse and prevention. The classes are available by unit request and FAP personnel can go directly to units to provide training. Although the