Family advocacy program provides domestic abuse victim advocate

Okimo Williams has joined the family advocacy program at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the new domestic abuse victim advocate. Her duties include, but are not limited to, risk assessments, safety planning and linkage to needed installation and community services. Victim advocacy is designed to provide a voice to the victims who don’t know how to speak about their abuse experiences. (U.S. Air Force photo by Steve Pivnick)

Family advocacy program provides domestic abuse victim advocate

Published Jan. 25, 2012
By 1st Lt. Sheontee Ferebee
81st Medical Operations Squadron

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Victims of domestic abuse may be afraid to break the silence and report the abuse they endure for various reasons. Victim advocacy is designed to provide a voice to the victims who don't know how to speak about their abuse experiences.

Okimo Williams has joined Keesler's family advocacy program as the new domestic abuse victim advocate. Her duties include, but are not limited to, risk assessments, safety planning and linkage to needed installation and community services.

The domestic abuse victim advocate is a 24/7 position designed to provide victim advocacy to all active duty personnel, their family members or intimate partners who are eligible beneficiaries of the military health care system. Retiree cases are seen on a case-by-case situation for ongoing support. No one is turned away from initial risk assessment and safety planning, but may be deferred to the community for ongoing support.

Anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence can receive this voluntary service. A victim of domestic violence can file a restricted report that allows medical treatment and/or therapy without an investigation or command involvement. An unrestricted report allows the victim to receive medical treatment and/or therapy, as well as involves the command and authorities with the active-duty member.

For information or referrals, call 228-376-5361/3457 or 228-257-7264.