Support for Military
Quick guidance & answers
The Family Advocacy Program is the War Department program designated to prevent and respond to child abuse and neglect and domestic abuse. FAP supports service members and their spouses, partners and families by teaching them skills and behaviors that can help prevent unhealthy or abusive dynamics and promote safety. The program also offers supportive counseling and advocacy.
Learn how the Family Advocacy Program can help.
The Family Advocacy Program promotes nurturing and healthy environments for children and youth in many ways, including through educational groups and classes, comprehensive assessments, counseling, coordination and collaboration with other providers or agencies, as needed.
When a child is the victim of an adult-initiated incident of abuse or neglect, including exposure to emotional abuse or abuse between adults, nonabusing parents may receive advocate services, counseling referrals to community resources and other support. Call 911 if a child’s safety is an immediate concern.
Use the local FAP office locator on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 800-422-4453.
Call the DOW Child Abuse and Safety Hotline at 877-790-1197. This hotline number is specifically for reporting suspected child abuse or neglect that may be occurring within a DOW-sanctioned activity such as a child development center or after-school program. This number should not be used to report suspected child abuse or child neglect that occurs outside a DOW-sanctioned activity. If a child is at imminent risk, call 911.
Learn signs that a child or teen could be at risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect, which may include when they:
Contact your local Family Advocacy Program office to report concerns. They’ll assess the situation, then take the appropriate steps to secure the child’s safety and enlist support to help the family.
Learn more about what child abuse and neglect is and the signs that a child could be at risk.
Find resources to help you thrive in your role as a military parent by accessing the Military Parent Resource Center, with links to:
Relationships can sometimes be unhealthy or even abusive. Domestic abuse victim advocates with FAP can help. They can explain the options for reporting abuse, assess for risk, develop safety plans and link the person to other resources. These may include counseling and emotional support, emergency support services and housing or financial and legal assistance.
FAP assessments, counseling and other services are designed to strengthen relationships, increase protective factors and reduce risk factors. Comprehensive FAP services are available to eligible beneficiaries. Limited services may also be available to nonbeneficiary intimate partners, including referrals to community resources that can help meet their specific needs and support ongoing care.
If you are in immediate danger in the United States, call 911, your local military law enforcement office or go to your nearest emergency room. For locations abroad, contact emergency services in your area.
Use the Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Locator to find the FAP victim advocate closest to you.
Use the local FAP office locator on MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or chat with an advocate at thehotline.org.
If you have experienced sexual harassment or assault during your military service, visit the VA military sexual trauma webpage for information.
If you’re treating your partner with more harm than heart, it’s time to take the first step to find support. It can help you and your relationship. Incorporate ways to improve your life and strengthen your connections. The Family Advocacy Program offers evidence-informed prevention courses and clinical counseling designed to help you manage difficult emotions, increase healthy communication and navigate major life stressors. Let us help you build a stronger foundation so you can thrive in your relationships with yourself and others.
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.
