The Family Advocacy Program is the Department of Defense program designated to address domestic abuse, child abuse and neglect, and problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. FAP works on every military installation where families are assigned, and supports service members and their spouses, partners and families to prevent abuse, promote victim safety and offer treatment and rehabilitation for healing after a traumatic event has occurred.

Learn more about how FAP works, how to get help and additional options for assistance in the event you, your child or someone you care about is impacted by violence or abuse.

What to Expect When Meeting with a Victim Advocate

The Family Advocacy Program offers a safe space for relationship help.

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How the Family Advocacy Program works

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Domestic abuse and intimate partner violence

The DOD does not tolerate domestic abuse, and the military community respects, supports and defends victims of abuse. Through FAP, each of the military services is committed to promoting a culture of support for victims, and works with service members and their families to promote the rehabilitation of individuals who use violence in their relationships by teaching them healthy behaviors. Victim safety is always the No. 1 priority.

Understanding the military response to domestic abuse

Getting help for domestic abuse and intimate partner violence

  • Use the victim advocacy search tool to find the FAP victim advocate closest to you
  • Call Military OneSource to be connected to your nearest FAP, 800-342-9647
  • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or chat with an advocate at thehotline.org

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Child abuse and neglect

The DOD does not tolerate child abuse or neglect, and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of every child in the military community. Through FAP, each of the military services works with service members and their families to promote nurturing, healthy environments for children and youth. When child maltreatment does occur, FAP swiftly responds and works with child protective services, command, parents, and law enforcement to secure the child’s safety.

Identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect

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Getting help for child abuse and neglect

Problematic sexual behavior in children and youth

A new DOD policy expands the responsibility of its FAP to include addressing problematic sexual behavior in children and youth. This is defined as behavior, initiated by children and youth under the age of 18, that involves using sexual or private body parts in a manner that is developmentally inappropriate or potentially harmful to the individual or the individuals impacted by the behavior.

Identifying and reporting Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children and Youth

Getting help for PSB-CY