WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) is kicking off its new Crime Reduction Program (CRP) Oct. 1.

The program will provide education and awareness on a variety of crimes throughout the year as identified by current trends, crime report statistics, and the needs of the Department of the Navy (DoN).

The first program theme that will be highlighted from October through December is: "Break the Silence, Break the Cycle: End Domestic Abuse."

Supervisory Special Agent Diane Nelson of the NCIS Criminal Investigations Directorate said this campaign is vital for military service members, their families, and the communities in which they live.

"Domestic violence impacts Sailors, Marines, those with whom they work, operational readiness, and military morale and welfare," said Diane. "Operational stress can lead to domestic violence. Education is paramount in helping our Sailors and Marines identify their stressors and ways to cope with them before they escalate into criminal behavior."

The CRP is a new initiative in which NCIS will work in conjunction with the Judge Advocate General (JAG), public affairs, Family Advocacy Program (FAP), Chaplain Corps, and other Navy commands to proactively fight crime within the military community.

NCIS, as the lead law enforcement organization for the DON, will spearhead the partnership from headquarters with assistance from the Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Navy Family Ombudsman Program, and other Navy and Marine Corps entities.

NCIS Headquarters will direct the campaign and provide information and marketing materials to each NCIS Field Office. Local NCIS and FFSC representatives will then work together to ensure that the crime reduction message and training get out to their respective installations.

Along with education to prevent domestic violence, Diane said this campaign is also about helping victims or potential victims understand what resources are available to them and that they are not alone.

Special Agent Carrie Nelson, CRP coordinator, said it's important for all service members and their families to realize that domestic violence, public or private, is everyone's problem.

"It's not just something you read about or see in the movies, it happens in your community and maybe even your own home," added Carrie. "If you have seen, heard about or felt the effects of domestic violence, it is your responsibility as a member of the military community to take action. By keeping quiet, you are telling the abuser that their vicious behavior is ok."

Carrie pointed out that anyone can be a victim or an abuser, regardless of age, sex, race, culture, religion, education, employment or marital status.

"The only common thread is the relationship between the abuser and the abused, where the abuser uses a set of behaviors to control another person," said Carrie. "Whether the abuse is a one-time attack or prolonged aggression, domestic violence can have lasting effects, and it can transform the home from a place of safety and love to one of danger and fear."

She also said it's important for everyone to realize that domestic abuse is not only physical.

"It's not just black eyes and broken bones," said Carrie. "It can also be verbal abuse, attempts to belittle and shatter your self-esteem. It can be threats and intimidation. It can be zero control over your finances, making you completely dependent upon your abuser."

The program also encourages victims and witnesses to report abuse.

"Don't tell yourself it can't get any worse," said Carrie. "Department of Defense statistics report that 33 percent of female homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. While you may be afraid to report domestic violence because of career problems or the possibility of the abuse getting worse, the Department of the Navy has resources to help you."

Carrie said that the earlier domestic violence is reported, the higher the chances of successful treatment and the continuation of a normal military career.

Some of the resources available to victims, abusers and witnesses include the Family Advocacy Program at your local FFSC, the FFSC Web site www.nffsp.org, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Carrie stressed that domestic violence is not just wrong, it's also a crime. Sometimes if a service member is convicted of a domestic violence assault, even a misdemeanor, they can no longer deploy, which impacts unit morale and readiness. She said domestic violence can be prevented if people get involved.

"Step up and intervene," she said. "Break the silence. Break the cycle. You're not only authorized to report suspected domestic violence, you're obligated to do it."