Fort Wainwright Family Advocacy Team spotlights outreach, awareness

FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska - Army Community Service staff at Fort Wainwright are highlighting support resources and raising awareness across the installation during Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October.

The ACS Family Advocacy Program team - including program specialist Eldotha Fields and domestic abuse victim advocates Susan Hesser and Toney Price - are engaging the community through an outreach booth at the post’s Exchange main entrance hall.

The Fort Wainwright ACS team stresses that domestic abuse extends beyond physical violence to include emotional manipulation, financial control, digital abuse and threats involving pets. Advocates help individuals recognize concerns, connect with confidential resources and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Being in rural Alaska brings unique challenges; by working together and strengthening ties with off-post community partners, such as the Interior Alaska Women's Center and the Fairbanks Native Association, the Fort Wainwright team can extend the availability of resources and the understanding of local needs on and off the installation.

ACS offers 24/7 advocate support via its victim advocacy hotline at (907) 799-9770. Community members can also visit the Family Advocacy Program office on the second floor of the Fort Wainwright Welcome Center, Building 3401 on Santiago Ave.

Community members looking to connect with advocates can visit the ACS outreach booth at the Main Exchange on Oct. 23 and Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Whether you need support or want to help someone you care about, ACS is here for you. Safe, respectful relationships strengthen our community, and we all have a role in preventing abuse.