CAMP ZAMA, Japan – Community members and U.S. Army Garrison leadership gathered at Army Community Service here Oct. 1 to mark the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a proclamation signing event.

Throughout October, ACS will host a variety of events to raise awareness about domestic violence and highlight the support resources available to community members.

Emphasizing this year’s theme, “PAUSE – You Have the Power to Choose,” Hisaka Kouzu, an ACS domestic abuse victim advocate, noted that meaningful change begins in moments of high tension when individuals pause and choose restraint over anger.

“Through our Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, we want to remind our community of the power of ‘Pause,’” Kouzu said. “When emotions are high, Pause. We all have the power to choose how we respond.

“Choosing respect over anger, communication over control, and safety over violence can make a difference,” she added. “Not only for individuals and families, but for our entire community.”

The event culminated with the USAG Japan command team signing the official proclamation, reaffirming their dedication to maintaining a safe environment across the installation.

“Having our garrison leaders publicly sign this declaration sends a strong message that preventing domestic violence is a community responsibility, and that no one must face it alone,” Kouzu said. “It shows that this is not just a statement, but a shared commitment to creating a safe, respectful and supportive community.”