Black-Eye Campaign Social Experiment

  • Published
  • By Josh Wilson
  • 82d Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS --  October is National Domestic Abuse Awareness month and to aid in the awareness of the event, the Sheppard Family Advocacy office, along with several volunteers, conducted a social experiment on Oct. 1 to help educate the base populace about the unfortunate reality of domestic abuse and what can be done to assist potential victims.

Early in the morning, volunteers from squadrons across the base gathered at the Medical Readiness Center to receive a make-up "black-eye" before going about their daily routine. The hope was that the "black-eye" would be seen and these individual would be approached and directed towards the various programs and offices the base has to offer to assist someone victim to domestic abuse.

"What we're trying to do is figure out what people will do if they see someone with a black eye," said Sheri Ward, Family Advocacy Outreach Manager. "Each volunteer will have a sheet that will allow them to track who approaches them and what information they were able to give the victim of the abuse. What resources are available? Did they suggest they go to the First Sergeant? Did they suggest talking to Family Advocacy? Have they identified any of the resources off base? These are some of the questions we hope to get an answer to with the experiment."

After the volunteers went about their normal daily routine, they all met at the end of the duty day to discuss the experiences they had throughout the day with the "black-eye" and what types of reactions people had.

"I got looks all day," said Master Sgt. Laurel Duncil, 364th Training Squadron first sergeant. "Some people did approach me; a lot of people avoided the black eye at first. It was a little rough by the end of the day. I didn't feel like leaving my office anymore. I didn't want people to stare at me anymore."

"I was curious to see how people would react to an occasion like this," said Airman 1st Class Juan Vanegas, 82nd Security Forces Squadron. "I was surprised to see how everybody was concerned in my squadron about what happened. "

Results of the experiment showed people are uncomfortable talking about the issue of domestic abuse. Many made jokes about some of the "black-eyes" in order to avoid a potentially serious discussion about the topic.

"The purpose of this social experiment was to show people that everybody is uncomfortable talking about this issue, but even if we're uncomfortable, we still need to step up and ask the person if there is something we can do for them," Ward said.

The goal is to educate people about Family Advocacy services before an incident occurs as opposed to afterwards.

"We have classes on parenting. We have classes on communication and how to make good choices. " Ward said.

Ward also emphasized Family Advocacy programs are available to anyone on the base, including active duty, retired, civilians and contractors.

By doing this type of social experiment, Family Advocacy hopes to get the message out that can be difficult to talk to people about domestic abuse, but if you have the knowledge to be able to direct someone in need to the Family Advocacy office and what services they provide, then you potentially can make an impact greater than you can imagine in someone's life. Jus t knowing that someone cares and is there for you is a major thing for people.

"I think the people that were touched by it are going to be talking about it," Ward said. "I hope that through this experiment people will ask the question... even if we aren't the right place for your questions, we will help you get the answers you are looking for."

For more information on domestic abuse and services available through Family Advocacy, please call 676-2271.