Resources

There are numerous resources that provide information on domestic abuse and support to both victims and offenders. Information and assistance is available through each branch of the military, the Department of Defense, and non-profit and government agencies.

Family Advocacy Program

The Family Advocacy Program (FAP) is an excellent resource for families experiencing child abuse and domestic abuse. FAP provides prevention efforts, early identification and intervention, support for victims, and treatment for offenders. FAP is responsible for ensuring victim safety and access to support and advocacy services as well as ensuring that offenders receive appropriate intervention and treatment services. FAP programs and services are available to service members, their spouses/intimate partners, and children. Contact information for local FAP programs can be found using MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.

Victim Advocacy Program

Each branch of the military has a Victim Advocacy Program. Victim advocates provide information, guidance, and support to victims of domestic abuse.

Generally, victim advocates help victims by:

• assessing their safety, their children's safety, and the risk of future domestic abuse
• helping the victim to develop a safety plan to minimize harm from future abuse
• providing information about the installation's response to a report of domestic abuse, including information about supportive services available through the installation, what commanders can do to protect and assist them under the military disciplinary system, shipment of household goods, and transitional compensation
• providing information about the local civilian community's response to a report of domestic abuse, including information about available supportive services, and what the civilian law enforcement and justice system can do to protect and assist them
• providing information about how to obtain civilian and military protective orders and how they will be enforced
• referring the victim to supportive services requested by the victim
• helping the victim make a report to the appropriate law enforcement agency, FAP and the commander if the victim decides that he or she wants to report
• helping the victim to understand the option of restricted reporting should the victim decide that he or she does not want to have law enforcement investigate the incident or have command notified

Contact the local FAP to find out if there are victim advocates available through the installation. FAP can also help identify victim advocacy services in the civilian community.

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-799-7233) is an excellent resource in the civilian community for victims of domestic abuse. Hotline advocates are available twenty-four hours a day for victims and anyone calling on their behalf to provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and information and referrals to agencies in all fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Hotline advocates provide confidential services to victims.

• Links to Branch Support Services
• Links to Additional Resources