Family Advocacy Program

You don't have to face abuse alone.

Our Victim Advocates are trained professionals available day and night to walk with you through the steps of finding safety. They can help you create a plan to stay safe, explain your reporting options, and connect you with both military and civilian services.

When you reach out, you decide how much to share. Some people choose Restricted Reporting, which allows them to receive medical care and advocacy without involving command or law enforcement. Others choose Unrestricted Reporting, which starts an official investigation and gives access to the widest set of protections and services. Advocates will explain both options so you can choose what feels right.

If you feel unsafe, don’t wait – help is available right now.

In an emergency, always call 911 first. For domestic abuse, contact the 24/7 Family Advocacy Hotline. If you believe a child is being harmed, call Military Police or your state’s child protection hotline.

If you’re unsure where to turn, your local Victim Advocate can help. Calls can be private, and advocates are trained to listen, guide you, and connect you with resources such as medical care, counseling, housing, or legal support.

Contact

Domestic Violence Hotlines

All Army installations have a 24/7 Family Advocacy Program (FAP) Domestic Abuse Victim Advocacy Hotline. Use the document below to locate your installation's hotline number.

Victim’s Rights

• The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for your dignity and privacy.
• The right to be reasonably protected from the accused offender.
• The right to be notified of court proceedings.
• The right to be present at all public court proceedings related to the offense, unless the court determines that your testimony would be materially affected if you, as the victim, heard other testimony at trial.
• The right to confer with the attorney for the government in the case; the right to available restitution; the right to information about the conviction, sentencing, imprisonment, and release of the offender.

National Resources

• United States Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women
• National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence
• Stalking Resource Center
• Statewide directory for laws, courts, emergency shelters, orders of protection
• Battered Women's Justice Project
• The Family Violence Prevention Fund
• Women's Justice Center– Also is Spanish
• Mind, Body, Spirit Empowered - Materials translated into many languages
• Marriage and Equality – Materials translated into many languages

Victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have round-the-clock access to services, including emergency assistance, information, referrals, and ongoing support in accessing medical, behavioral health, legal, and law enforcement services on and off garrisons. Victim Advocates will discuss the option of restricted and unrestricted reports.

What Should I Do If I Am Thinking About Leaving My Abusive Partner?

Think about the following:

• Several places you could go if you leave your home
• People who might help you if possible, leave a bag of necessities at their house
• Getting a cell phone
• Opening a bank account/credit card in your name
• How you might leave
• How to take your children with you safely

Take the following items with you, if possible:

• Children
• Money
• Keys to car, house, work
• Extra clothes
• Medicine
• Important papers for you and your children
• Birth Certificates
• Social security cards
• School and medical records
• Checkbooks, credit cards
• Driver’s license
• Car registration
• Welfare identification
• Passports, green cards, work permits
• Lease/rental agreement
• Mortgage payment book, unpaid bills
• Insurance papers
• Military Protective Order (MPO)/Civilian Protective Order (CPO), divorce papers, custody papers
• Address book
• Pictures, jewelry, sentimental items
• Items for your children (toys, blankets, etc.)

How Can I Keep Myself Safe At Work?

• Keep a copy of your MPO/CPO at work
• Give a picture of the abuser to security and friends at work
• Tell your supervisors – see if they can make it harder for the abuser to find you
• Don’t go to lunch alone
• Ask a security guard to walk you to your car or to the bus
• If the abuser contacts you at work, save voicemails and e-mails

What Can I Do to Keep Myself Safe If I Have Left My Abuser?

• Get a cell phone.
• Get a MPO/CPO.  Keep a copy with you at all times.  Give a copy to the police, your children’s caregivers, schools, and your boss.
• Change the locks.
• Install a security system and outside lights.
• Change your number to be unlisted.
• Use an answering machine/voicemail to screen calls.
• Tell friends and neighbors your abuser no longer lives with you.  Ask them to call the police if they see your abuser outside or near your home.
• Tell someone at work what has happened.
• Try not to use the same stores, banks, or businesses that you did when you were with your abuser.
• Find a safe way to speak with your abuser, if necessary.
• Take a self-defense course.
• Go over your safety plan.

Victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse have round-the-clock access to services, including emergency assistance, information, referrals, and ongoing support in accessing medical, behavioral health, legal, and law enforcement services on and off garrisons. Victim Advocates will discuss the option of restricted and unrestricted reports.