Tie a purple ribbon Published Oct. 4, 2012 By Susan Thompson, LCSW Patrick AFB Family Advocacy Intervention Specialist PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- October is domestic violence awareness month. Family Advocacy is promoting "Tie a Purple Ribbon" campaign to support Domestic Violence Awareness month. We encourage everyone to display a purple ribbon somewhere on their vehicle. Domestic Violence is a cycle of behavior used to gain control, power, and intimidation over a spouse or intimate partner. Domestic violence has no barriers as men and women can be the abusers or the victims of domestic violence. Often times the abuse is intentional, so the abuser can gain control over his partner. Physical violence is only one way an abuser can gain control of their victims. Other ways an abuser may control their victims is by dominating the relationship, humiliation, isolating the victim from others, threatening them, intimidation, and denial and blame. Signs of an abusive relationship may include: feeling afraid of your partner, believing you deserve to be hurt, having low self esteem, avoiding certain conversations in fear that partner might get upset and wondering if it is you who really has a problem. If you feel like you are a victim of any of these issues and it is affecting your self-esteem and outlook on life, please contact one of the agencies below for assistance. Family Advocacy Program- 494-8171 Mental Health Clinic-494-8234 Domestic Violence Shelter-726-8282 State of Florida Domestic Violence Hotline-1-800-500-1119 Chaplain-494-4073 Security Forces- 494-2008 Brevard Help Line- 211 Military One Source-1-800-707-5784