Spangdahlem participates in Clothesline Project 2011 Published Oct. 20, 2011 By Cecilia Diaz 52nd Medical Operations Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- October is designated as Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Domestic violence affects not only families and communities, but also mission readiness. To commemorate this month and help prevent domestic violence, Spangdahlem AB is in participating Clothesline Project 2011. The clothesline project is a display of T-shirts with domestic violence prevention messages by survivors of violence or by someone who had a loved one killed by domestic violence. The clothesline will be displayed in front of the post office from Oct. 24 - 28. In addition to displaying this project, Spangdahlme offers various domestic violence prevention programs. Family advocacy and other helping agencies provide workshops and seminars for military families to reduce the isolation and stress that is sometimes a part of military life. Family advocacy provides anger management, couples communication, parenting classes and a parent support program to manage stress. The mental health clinic also contributes to domestic violence prevention by offering psycho-educational workshops, including those on how to cope with anxiety, stress, mood management and substance abuse awareness. When intervention and treatment are necessary, specialists are also available for one-on-one assistance. Another method of prevention is organizing playgroups with other families. These groups help develop friendships with other parents and socialization for children. Such groups can be especially helpful to new families, single parents and spouses of deployed members. While many avenues are available to seek help, some may be reluctant to do so because they fear harming the active - duty member's military career. For those who would like to seek help, but want it off the record, family advocacy offers strength based therapy. Commanders and first sergeants also support and encourage Airmen to attend prevention classes. However, when stress escalates to the point of domestic violence, maltreatment cases are documented. While all these programs are offered, preventing domestic violence is everyone's responsibility. All active - duty members and civilian employees are mandatory reporters of domestic violence. Reports can be made anonymously and will be addressed with sensitivity for all parties involved. For more information on these programs or to participate in the Clothesline Project, call the family advocacy outreach manager at DSN 452-8279 or 06565-61-8279.