Family Advocacy Program
Family Advocacy is a command program designed to assist families experiencing the trauma of abuse. Counselors are trained in the dynamics of abuse in order to assist in protecting victims and support families in need of assistance.
Services include information on spouse/intimate partner and child abuse, victim advocacy, counseling for individuals, couples and children, as well as support groups for men and women. These services are provided, free of charge, for those seeking help. Additionally, classes on stress management, anger management, child and teen parenting, financial management and building self-esteem are offered to educate individuals in dealing with stressful situations.
On 22 April 2006, USMC implemented policy guidelines for Domestic Abuse Restricted Reporting. This policy affords victims a new option for confidential disclosure of abuse and to receive support services. Under this new policy, adult victims of domestic abuse may receive medical treatment and victim advocacy services without requiring notification to law enforcement or unit commanders. To be eligible for restricted reporting, the victim must disclose to one of the following individuals: Victim Advocate, Victim Advocate Supervisor or Healthcare Provider (depending on your state laws). Disclosure of abuse to anyone other than those listed above may result in command notification and law enforcement investigation. In cases where a victim elects restricted reporting, the confidential communications maybe suspended under certain circumstances, for example; when the victim in writing authorizes disclosure, when there is serious or imminent threat to health or safety, or when child abuse is suspected. For more information about this option of reporting, contact your local installation Victim Advocate which can be found under the Victim Advocacy link on the left side of this page.
We encourage anyone experiencing abuse to seek help immediately. Research shows that the earlier help occurs the sooner families can make positive changes. Research also indicates that without assistance abuse problems persist and become more unbearable over time.
DoD Domestic Abuse Policy Memoranda
Domestic and Child Abuse Severity Guidelines
Incident Status Determination Process
Commander and Staff NCO Training Resources
Restricted Reporting Resources