Support for Military
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Deciding whether to report domestic abuse can be difficult. If you are experiencing abuse in your relationship, it is normal to feel alone, afraid and unsure about asking for help. Knowing your reporting options can help you decide what to do next.
You don’t have to make an immediate decision about reporting to get information or support. Domestic abuse victim advocates and other professionals can help you understand your options, consider your safety and connect you with resources.
The War Department offers two military reporting options for domestic abuse: restricted and unrestricted. Depending on your circumstances, you have options to decide if, how and when to report domestic abuse in the military, with some exceptions. Knowledge is power, and understanding your reporting options for domestic abuse can help you decide how to proceed.
Both options allow for access to victim advocacy services, which include personal help and support as well as safety planning.
With a restricted report, military law enforcement and command will not be notified of the report.
Three groups of professionals may keep information about domestic abuse confidential under the restricted reporting option:
Making a restricted report means:
Victims are also entitled to the protections of privileged communication with a chaplain. Disclosing domestic abuse to a chaplain is not the same as making a report and will not connect you to FAP services.
Domestic abuse victim advocates provide information, support and assistance to people experiencing domestic abuse. Use the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator to find the victim advocate closest to you.
Because your safety is a priority, you cannot make a restricted report if you are at immediate risk of serious harm. Restricted reporting is only available to adults experiencing domestic abuse who are eligible for medical services at a military treatment facility. Restricted reporting does not apply to child abuse cases, which are required by law to be reported to law enforcement and child protective services.
* Some state-specific laws may require medical providers to report known or suspected incidents of domestic abuse to law enforcement regardless of a victim’s preferences. Contact your local FAP or legal assistance office to learn more.
When an unrestricted report is made, FAP will notify both law enforcement and the service member’s military command.
Making an unrestricted report means:
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and are concerned that your spouse or partner may find out that you’re seeking help, contact your nearest FAP office to connect with a domestic abuse victim advocate or reach out to your healthcare provider.
You may also get support outside the military, where stricter confidentiality rules may apply pursuant to federal, state and local laws and policies. Shelters and agencies in your area can help you consider your options.
You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for 24/7 help in English, Spanish and more than 200 other languages. Call 911 or your military installation’s emergency law enforcement number if you are in immediate danger.
Counselors and advocates can help you design an individualized safety plan, including steps to take before, during and after a domestic abuse crisis. A safety plan covers things like where to go for shelter, how to find financial and emotional support, making a contingency plan for childcare and what to have ready to take with you if you must leave home quickly.
Depending on your situation, you may want to consider a military protection order — issued by a military commander — or a civilian protection order, issued by a civilian court. An MPO can be used when the abuser is an active-duty service member and can restrict them from having contact with you or other protected individuals. CPOs can be issued with both active-duty and civilian abusers. A victim advocate can provide information about these options.
Eligible family members of a service member separated from the service due in part to a dependent abuse offense can receive temporary payments and benefits. Transitional compensation assists military family members by lessening the financial hardship associated with leaving an abusive relationship.
If you experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers information, support and treatment for military sexual trauma. Learn more about MST and available resources.
Find help for domestic abuse from the victim advocate closest to you by using the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator — whether you’re in the United States or overseas.
Learn about military bases worldwide. Get installation overviews, check-in procedures, housing, contacts for programs and services, photos and more.
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Computer use can be monitored and is impossible to completely clear. If you are afraid your internet usage might be monitored, visit the 24/7 Family Advocacy Program Victim Advocate Locator or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800−799−7233.
